William John (W.J.) Wagner was a radio pioneer in Alaska. He was born February 5, 1900 in Pe Ell, Washington, to William S. and Anna J. (Salkeld) Wagner. He came to Nome in 1903 where his father was in the restaurant business and later managed cafes in other locations in Alaska and Seattle. On December 14, 1924, he married Irene F. Ludeman. Mrs. George Ernst (Anna Mae Wagner), his daughter by a first marriage and granddaughter, Diana L. Mills, were instrumental in donating his collection to the library.

After managing Bill Wagner and His Orchestra from 1918-1923, W. J. Wagner enlisted in the U. S. Army Signal Corps and later was a civilian radio engineer in the U. S. Civil Service, attached to the War Department. Leaving government service in 1936, he became the chief radio engineer, then manager, and finally owner of Radio Station KFQD in Anchorage. Subsequently, he was also involved in the ownership and management of stations in Fairbanks, Sitka, Seward, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. He operated Wagner's Alaska Radio Supply in Anchorage and other businesses in Alaska and in Seattle. He was an enthusiastic HAM radio operator.

He and his wife Irene were very active in their businesses, but also participated in the community. He was a member of the Lions, Elks, the Anchorage Merchants Association, and the Washington Athletic Club. He served on the Anchorage City Council in 1940 –1942, and they both supported the arts, participating in many musical activities. They sold their radio properties in 1959 and moved to Seattle. W.J. Wagner died in Seattle June 5, 1967.

Sources: family, Tewkesbury’s WHO’S WHO IN ALASKA AND ALASKA BUSINESS INDEX, “End of the Trail” ALASKA SPORTSMAN (August, 1967)