May 26, 1968

Forty years ago today there was a little boy born in St. Paul, Minnesota.


Kurtis Shellby Wagner


This little boy who learned to love sports, but lives for hockey. Played hockey from the age of four, through high school in the State of Hockey - Minnesota, through college at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. And 40 years later still plays and is now teaching his sons his love for the game.

This little boy taught himself to fish. Running along to shores of Long Lake at his Grandparents cabin in Wisconsin trying to find the best catch because he didn't have a boat. Then his parent's finally bought him a boat so that he could find every hiding spot of fish. And 40 years later, his favorite spot to fish is that cabin in that boat and is now teaching his sons his love for fishing.

This little boy whose family moved to Texas when his father was transferred with 3M, said I'm never leaving Minnesota. He finally couldn't take it after two years of being away from his family and moved to Texas. And 40 years later, he never wants to move back to Minnesota.

This little boy who found a girl, blond, native Texan, who didn't know where Minnesota was or how hockey was played, loved her, married her, made a family with her, and loves her unconditionally. And 40 years later still learns from her - even if he knows it or not.

The little boy who knew he wanted nothing more from life than to be a father. Who stood by his wife time and time again as the hope of a biologically child faded. But who had the strength and determination to adopt two of the most amazing and wonderful boys from Russia. And 40 years later he would never want the path of his life any other way.

Happy 40th Birthday,

Bun, Kurt, Kurtie, Uncle Kurtie, Coach Kurt

Everyone who meets you, loves you and is a better person for knowing you!