John J. Wagner, age 91, of New Prague, died Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at Traditions of Montgomery.   John was born on June 5, 1923 in New Market Township, MN to Alois and Susan (Friedges) Wagner.  He attended St. Nicholas Catholic School in New Market and University of Minnesota Ag School in St. Paul.  John married Elizabeth Therese “Betty” Vaughan on August 21, 1946 at St. Catherine Church in Spring Lake Township.  He made his living in crop and dairy farming and later as a real estate agent.  John was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, served on the MVEC Board for 37 years, was a member of the New Prague Lions and the New Prague Rotary, and served on the New Prague School Board.  He enjoyed playing cards, deer hunting, fishing, and golf but his family was the priority in his life.

John is survived by his children, Jim (& Bill) of Phoenix, John (& Jane) of Owatonna, Dave of New Prague, Mary (& Bob) Vanasek of New Prague, Charlie (& Sharon) of New Prague, Ann (& Dan) Prochaska of Montgomery, Bob (& Jenni) of Maplewood, Susan (& Tom) Rybak of Eagan, Leroy (& Jill Tietz) of New Prague, Margaret (& John) McDonald of Chaska, Paul (& Lori) of Sartell, Monica Wagner of Minneapolis, Joe (& Kim) of New Prague; 35 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings, Wilfred Wagner of New Prague, Laura Ryan of New Prague, Bernice Devine of New Market, Ralph (& Geralda) Wagner of New Market; Agnes DeGross of New Prague; sister-in-law, Eileen Wagner of Prior Lake.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty on January 30, 2005; daughter-in-law, Gloria Wagner; sister, Ginny Roach, brother, Mike Wagner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 25, 2014, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Dave Barrett officiating.  Visitation will take place Sunday from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and Monday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.   Lunch will follow at the Park Ballroom in New Prague.