Joseph Wagner Jr.

Joseph E. Wagner, Jr, 85, died peacefully at his home on December 27, 2017.  Joe was born on the family farm in Millerville Township on May 29, 1932, the son of Joseph and Katherine (Korkowski) Wagner.  Farming was the forefront of Joe’s life—he was born, raised, and died on the farm.  He grew up on the family farm near Millerville and attended school through the eighth grade at School District 82.  Joe married Marian Hilda Hertwig on October 6, 1953 in Millerville.  Joe and Marian raised three sons on their dairy farm, where his walking path from the barn to the house was smoothly formed into the ground from the perpetual trips he made between the two.  Joe and his son Mike farmed together for many years.  In addition to farming, Joe was a DeKalb salesman for over 40 years, worked installing silo unloaders, and drove milk can truck for the Millerville Creamery.  Joe also served his community on the Millerville Creamery Board and the Gardonville Board.

Joe found joy beyond the farm by fishing on area lakes in his younger days, shaking dice, and playing on a bowling league.  Roaring laughter and table pounding could be heard on many a Saturday night during games of bidding whist and schmear shared between Joe and Marian, Jerry and Jeannie, Orville and Bernice, Harlan and Rosie, and Jimmy and Janice.  Joe found a perfect match in his wife Marian; his incessant sweet tooth was well met with Marian’s delicious baked goods.  Joe’s dogs gave him a great deal of companionship, especially after losing his wife of nearly 60 years; he always had a four-legged friend at his side. The twinkle in Joe’s eyes and the smile on his face were contagious to those around him.  He truly enjoyed making others laugh with his witty comments.  Joe’s kind nature and light heart will be greatly missed by those who love him.

Joe is survived by his three sons, Wayne (Alice) Wagner of Millerville, Ron Wagner of Elk River, and Mike Wagner of Brandon; grandchildren, Joseph Wagner and wife, Hope, Brian Wagner and wife, Jennifer, Angie Wagner Scott and husband, Brady, Eric Wagner and wife, Kayla, and Brittany Wagner; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Marcus, Roman, Lane, Annie, Rocco, Maxwell, Brooklyn, Maren, Cash, Payton, and Sonny; and sister Margaret Barbeln.  He left behind nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and friends whom he loved.  Joe was preceded in death by his wife Marian (Hertwig) Wagner, his father, Joseph Wagner, mother, Katherine (Korkowski) Wagner; and siblings Raymond Wagner, Florian Wagner, Evelyn Turchin, Ralph Wagner, Daniel Wagner, Marcine Schmidt, MaryAnn Thoennes, and Harold Wagner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 11AM at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville, MN.  Visitation will be held on Thursday evening January 4, 2018 from 4-7 PM at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville and also for one hour prior to the Mass on Friday.    Casket bearers include Joe Wagner, Brian Wagner, Eric Wagner, Angie Scott, Brady Scott, and Daniel Wagner.

Joe’s family would like to thank Hospice of Douglas County for the care provided and Anderson Funeral Home.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net