- Date Of Birth: June 28, 1930
- Date Of Death: May 1, 2019
- State: Iowa
Eugene Michael, son of Philip and Agnes (Schuller) Wagner, was born June 28, 1930 in Carrol, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm seven miles west of West Bend, Iowa. Gene attended country school for three years, then attended Sts. Peter & Paul’s parochial school in West Bend and boarded at the convent. He attended West Bend High School, graduating in 1948. Gene worked on the family farm until he entered military service in 1952. He served in the 8th Infantry Army Division during the Korean conflict. Gene worked as construction engineer, operating caterpillars, road graders, and a tournapull. After his discharge from the military in 1954 Gene returned to farm in West Bend. Gene married Mary Jean Lundgren June 16, 1954 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger, Iowa. The couple made their home on the family farm near West Bend where they raised their seven children. Gene and Jean moved into a new home in West Bend in 2000. Gene was a member of Farm Bureau and FFA. He was an active member of Sts. Peter & Paul’s Catholic Parish, serving as Eucharistic Minister for many years and was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. Gene was also a member of the American Legion for 45 years, serving as commander from 2009 to 2010.
Gene died May 1, 2019 at West Bend Health and Rehab in West Bend. Survivors include his children: Roger (Jean) Wagner, Kirk (Julie) Wagner, Kelly Crotty, Rhonda Wolfe, Beth Grimm, and Lee Ann Grimm; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and sister Marjorie Kajewski. Gene’s parents, wife Jean, son Randy, sons-in-law Tom Crotty and Keith Grimm, and sisters Irene Freilinger and Alice Bernau preceded him in death.
