Don A. Wagner, age 69, of Gillett, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Aurora Bay Care Hospital in Green Bay.
Don was born in Oconto Falls on June 3, 1948, a son of the late Waldemar and Lorraine (Andersen) Wagner. Following his graduation from Gillett High School in 1966, Don attended Southern Polytechnic State University until he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War. He received numerous medals and decorations including the National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars. He was honorably discharged in 1972, and returned home to Gillett.
Don went to work for Wagner Gas & Electric and eventually assumed ownership until his retirement in 2008. He was married to Judy (Winkler) on June 30, 2001. Don was an avid and enthusiastic hunter and fisherman. His hunting and fishing trips took him annually to Canada and as far away as New Zealand. Don was a “Life Member” of the Oconto River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited. In addition to traveling extensively, Don also loved spending time with his grandkids. He will be sadly missed.
Don is survived by his wife, Judy, his son Christopher (Heather) Winkler of Webster City, IA, his brothers Mark (Arlene) Wagner of Mohnton, PA and Paul (Mary) Wagner of Waldo, WI. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Mildred Winkler of Suring, his in-laws: Shirley Lusk, Helen Smith, Edwin (Joyce) Winkler, Barb Winkler, Gene (Ellen) Winkler, Randy (Peggy) Winkler, Ricky (Sandy) Winkler, Bonnie (Ken) Juza, Debbie (Bryon) Huffman and Hoyt Blanchard. Don also leaves his grandchildren Dayton and Kaitlyn Winkler and his god-children: Heather Winkler, Kathryn Winkler, Ethan and Lucas Monroe. Don is further survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as other relatives and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Edwin Winkler, sisters-in-law Debbie Wagner, Dorothy Blanchard, Mary Sell and Brother’s in law John Smith and Robert Winkler.
Family and friends may call on the family on Monday, October 2, 2017 from 4 to 8 PM at LEGACY FUNERAL CHAPELS (108 E. Main Street, Gillett, WI 54124). Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (101 W. Main Street, Gillett, WI 54124). A funeral service will be held at 11 AM with the Reverend Kent Wallace officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.
Don and Judy want to thank Derek (Sarah) and Daren (Veronica) Wagner for all of the wonderful outdoor adventures! Also thank you to Paul and Mark Wagner for all the great hunting and fishing trips. The memories will live on forever.
Visitation
Monday, October 2, 2017
4 to 8 PM
Legacy Funeral Chapels
108 E. Main Street
Gillett, WI 54124
[row]
[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]
Visitation
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
9:30 to 10:45 AM
St. John’s Lutheran Church
101 W. Main Street
Gillett, WI 54124
[/column]
[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]
Funeral Service
St. John’s Lutheran Church
101 W. Main Street, Gillett, WI 54124
11 AM
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
[/column]
[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]
Graveside Service
St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery
Old 22, Gillett, WI 54124
12 Noon
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Don was a wonderful man. We always enjoyed visiting with Don & Judy when we made our trips home to Wisconsin to see family and friends. Sending Love and sympathy to the family during this sad time.
Our most sincere condolences to the
Don Wagner Family.
My condolences to Judy and the entire Wagner family. Don was a classmate of mine in high school. I also enjoyed visiting with him and working with him with trout unlimited whenever I got the chance.
Judy, Terry and I send our love and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. We love you and will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers.
Our prayers are with you and your family Judy. We are so thankful we had such a nice visit with Don when we came for the church anniversary celebration. We were so shocked to hear the tragic news of his unexpected death! May God comfort and console you with His grace and mercy. Amen.