Carolyn Wagner joined the Lake Panorama Association staff in mid-February as the association’s accountant. She and her husband live on an acreage north of the lake. She has a four-year accounting degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. Before joining the LPA staff, Wagner worked as an accountant at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center and the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon.
By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
Carolyn Wagner joined the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) staff in mid-February as the LPA accountant. Wagner replaces Danna Krambeer, who previously served in this position.
Wagner was born and raised in Bayard. She graduated from Coon Rapids-Bayard, then earned a four-year accounting degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake.
Her husband, Dave Wagner, is originally from Coon Rapids and works for AMVC in Audubon. The couple will have been married 33 years this summer. They have one son, two daughters and two grandchildren.
The Wagners lived in Audubon for 22 years before moving to Guthrie County in May 2024. Their home is just north of Lake Panorama, located on a six-acre farm.
“We now have animals for our grandkids,” Carolyn says. “We have chickens, goats, donkeys, turkeys and two dogs.”
Wagner says they made the move from Audubon to the Panora area because it allows them to be more centrally located to where their children and grandchildren live.
Their son Heath, his wife Megan and their granddaughter Annistyn, who is 8 years old, live in Audubon. Daughter Matracea, her fiancé Jonah and grandson Malakai, who is 4 years old, live in Ankeny. Daughter Cami and her fiancé Riley live in Knoxville.
“We plan on retiring here,” Carolyn says. “Someday we will buy a lot at the lake so we can enjoy the amenities.”
Before joining the LPA staff, Wagner worked as an accountant at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center and the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon.
“As with all positions at LPA, the job description only captures part of what we do,” John Rutledge, LPA general manager, says. “The accountant not only completes accounting tasks but also plays a key role in the general, day-to-day operation of the LPA office. We’re grateful to have Carolyn join our team and look forward to her success in this position.”
Wagner’s first day on the job was Feb. 16.
“So far, I’ve been trained mostly on daily and monthly tasks,” she says. “I still need to learn some tasks that are done quarterly, semiannually and annually. I can’t train very effectively without actually doing these tasks, so that’s the next step.”
Why was Wagner interested in applying for the LPA accountant position?
“The complexity of the association interested me,” she says. “There are so many pieces of the LPA that all fit together like a puzzle. I’m loving it. Everyone is great and the atmosphere is wonderful. Plus, the view of the lake from my office window is nice.”