Wilbur L. Flager

Mr. Wilbur L. Flager, 89, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 3:00 am, with his loving wife Roberta at his side. He had been ill for some time. Wilbur was born in Goshen on November 7, 1933 to the late Wilbert H. and Mary Jane (Camp) Flager, and later married Roberta L. Sharkey, who survives him at home.

Also surviving Wilbur are his daughters Marlene K. Willink of Elkhart and Julie (Mike) Zimmer of Bristol; brothers Donald (Peggy) Flager of Elkhart and Robert (Debra) Flager of Greensboro, Georgia; sisters Loretta Miller of Bristol, Nancy Harter of Elkhart and Linda (Simon) Olenczuk of Portage, Michigan; grandchildren Daniel (Jenni) Zimmer and Rachel (Daniel) Davidson, both of Goshen, PO1 Aaron (Nichole) Willink, 1PO, USN, of San Diego, California and Jason (Amanda) Willink, ICC, USN, of Norfolk, Virginia, and great grandchildren Madi, Kaiti, Alli, Shane, Mason, Avery, Liam, Olivia, Gemma and Isabel. He is also survived by a loving host of extended family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, Wilbur is to be cremated and returned to his family. No immediate services have been scheduled, but the family is planning something for later in the spring.  Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services have been assisting the family with arrangements.

Wilbur worked in the construction business for most of his life, spending the better part of 20 years with Bailey Construction. He started building things with his father when he was only 11 years old. He’d work in the evenings and on the weekends and eventually learned everything his father knew and more. In return, Wilbur used his education and schooling to teach his dad how to read, especially blueprints. Wilbur had a natural talent when it came to working with his hands, and the little workshop that he had set up at home became his “happy place”. He would spend countless hours there building all kinds of things, and it was said that if he liked you, he’d build something for you. Needless to say, just about everyone in the family has been gifted something that Wilbur had made. 

Wilbur always considered himself a good Christian, and he enjoyed reading from his bible regularly. He was a long-time member of the Northside Church of the Nazarene and was very active when it came to going on mission trips. Wilbur accumulated almost 20 mission trips over the years, visiting places like Barbados, Bulgaria and Guatemala. Wilbur was also responsible for the building the church, as it currently stands at its present site. He went on after that to assist with the church’s upkeep and maintenance. 

Honest and proud, Wilbur’s word was law and he seldom broke it. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was always thankful for what he had. Generally, after a day’s hard work, Wilbur took his spot in his chair with his sidekick Susie the dog and tuned in to either some sort of building show or, (of course) “Tool Time” with Tim Allen.

Those wishing to leave a donation in Wilbur’s memory may give to the Native American Christian Academy via the Northside Church of the Nazarene. (Write checks to the CHURCH, not to the ACADEMY). Also, please visit the funeral home’s website and Wilbur’s obituary page to leave condolences and memories. 

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