Donald F Wagner

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Donald Wagner made a significant impact in the lives of so many through his kind and selfless acts.

The year 1917 is often remembered as the year that our nation engaged in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today. Although we had hopes of remaining neutral as WWI raged on overseas, repeated hostile acts left us with no choice but to engage. This was a year filled with great joy for one young couple from Lyons, Wisconsin, who celebrated the birth of a healthy baby boy on August 19, 1917. Donald F. was the youngest of three children born to his parents, Peter and Mary (Mueseler) Wagner, and was raised in the family home alongside his brother, George, and his sister, Mildred.

Life was forever changed for Donald when he met and married the love of his life, Hildegarde Kornhoff, on October 24, 1942, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Waterford, WI. Together they were blessed with two sons, Francis and Edward, and one daughter, Rita.

To support his family, Donald was always willing to work hard. He initially farmed with his parents, but in 1952 he moved with his family to the village of Lyons. During this time Donald also began working at Trent Tube in East Troy where he remained for 32 years.

Throughout his life Donald’s faith played a vital role. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Parish where he also did custodial work for both the parish itself as well as for the school. With a heart that beat to serve others, Donald volunteered for Vocational Industries in Elkhorn alongside his wife for several years. It was Donald’s faith that carried him through the days, weeks, and months that followed his wife’s death on May 28, 2003.

A lifelong resident of Lyons, Wisconsin, Donald Wagner was a blessing in the lives of those around him. He possessed an unwavering faith that carried him through both the peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. Donald leaves behind priceless memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Donald F. Wagner died on June 14, 2012, at Waterford Senior Living. Donald’s family includes his son, Francis (Carol); daughter, Rita (Ed) Larsen; son, Edward; five grandchildren, Juliann (Scott) Christensen, David (Cathy) Wagner, Don (Sandy) Larsen, Doug (Kari) Larsen, and Kevin (Serina) Larsen; seven great-grandchildren and an eighth soon to arrive; sisters-in-law, Anna Marie Tenfel, Gwen Stock, and Dorothy Heinrich; and nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Donald was preceded in death by his brother, George, and sister, Mildred. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 18 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 1540 Mill Street Lyons, WI from 3:00 p.m. until time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Joseph Parish, Vocational Industries of Elkhorn or Mass Memorials. Arrangements provided by Suminski Life Story Funeral Homes, Niemann / Suminski 414-744-5156. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.