Wilfred A. “Willie” Wagner, age 90, of New Market, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, January 11, 2016, at Reflections Hospice Care Center at the Three-Links Care Campus in Northfield, MN. Willie was born on June 10, 1925, in New Market Township, Minnesota, to Alois and Susan (Friedges) Wagner. Willie was a lifelong resident of the New Market/New Prague area and attended St. Nicholas School. He served in the U.S. Army and was on his way to Japan when the war ended and he served in Occupation Japan. He married Bridget C. Kunkel on September 21, 1948, in Luxemburg, Minnesota. They couple made their home and raised their family of 9 children on the dairy farm that would be his lifelong pursuit. After retiring in 1987, Willie continued to work for Heikes Farms, doing silt fencing and landscaping and finally moved to New Prague in 2005.
Willie was a very active 90-year member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market, serving on the parish board and in the choir. He was a dedicated ProLife advocate and was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, NEW Lion’s Club, and American Legion. In addition, he served on the School Board at Bethlehem Academy, the Cedar Lake Township Board, and was an election judge. He was an avid card player, became a master rug maker, and taught his children and grandchildren the art of gardening. His top priority in life was spending time with his family, both in leisure activities and his willingness to work hard and to help anybody.
Willie is survived by his nine children, Jane (Ed) Schaus of St. Peter, Jerry (Shirley) Wagner of Black River Falls, WI, Dennis (Marshalaa) Wagner of Chaska, Sharon Wagner of New Prague, Diane (Pat) Graham of Black River Falls, WI, Carol (Pat) Fraher of Northfield, Al (Shari) Wagner of Albert Lea, Rosanne (Bruce) Keillor of Ravenna, OH, Brian (Michelle) Wagner of Clarks Grove; 39 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura Ryan of Northfield, 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, Bridget on February 24, 2009; parents; brothers, John and Mike Wagner; sister, Genny Roach.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 18, 2016, at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market with Father Patrick Barnes officiating. Visitation will take place Sunday, January 17th from 4 – 8 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and Monday morning from 10 – 11 AM at church. Burial will occur at St. Nicholas Cemetery where military honors will be conducted. Lunch will follow in the church basement.
