Delores Mary Ellen Wagner, 92 of Monona, Iowa passed away Friday, October 7, 2022 at Great River Care Center, McGregor, Iowa. Delores was born September 13, 1930 to Alexander and Cecila (Fassbinder) Berns at their rural Monona home. She was the youngest of seven children whom were very close. Family gatherings at the farm were always a highlight while growing up. She attended St. Patrick Catholic Grade School and Monona High School, graduating in 1948.
After graduation, Delores worked at Waterloo Savings Bank for two and a half years before moving back to Monona to marry the love of her life. On October 10, 1951, Delores was united in marriage with Thomas Wagner. Six children were born to this union. Together, Delores and Thomas, worked the Century Family Farm. No one could run the square baler better than Delores. When not found by Tom’s side on the farm, she enjoyed gardening and canning her produce. Delores and Tom loved socializing, playing cards and going out to eat. Over the years they enjoyed many trips together around the world. She was a wonderful homemaker, the grandkids always knew there would be chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, cherry bars or brownies in the freezer upon their arrival. Her favorite place in the whole world was at their cabin on the Mississippi River where she could be found most summer afternoons surrounded by family and friends. Delores’ kind heart and beautiful smile will be missed.
Surviving Delores are her children, Nancy (Gary) Grinna of Postville, Iowa, William (Michelle) Wagner of Monona, Iowa, Donald (Cheryl) Wagner of Farmersburg, Iowa, Mary (Daryl) Schlein of Monona, Iowa, Steven (Paula) Wagner of Monona, Iowa and Amy (Greg) Hermiston of Sherrill, Iowa; grandchildren, Brent (Katie) Grinna, Bradley Grinna (Nejla Safyari), Blaine (Kellie) Grinna, Megan (Ryan) Adams, Mitchell Wagner (Jennifer Koons), McKenzie (Nicholas) Schlee, Brian Wagner, Randy (Samantha) Wagner, Lynnette (Ryan) Koopmann, Timothy (Bridget) Schlein, Laurie (Jonathan) Oddo, Emily (Zachary) Henkes, Michael (Tatum) Wagner, Kellie (Nicholas) Battalini, Rachel Wagner, Benjamin Hermiston, Adam Hermiston and Ellie Hermiston and twenty four great-grandchildren.
Preceding Delores in death were her husband, Thomas Wagner on January 7, 2006; parents, Alex and Cecila Berns; siblings and their spouses, Hubert & Dorothy Berns, Agnes & William Sullivan, Leo & Lucille Berns, Joseph & Avis Berns, Jean & Lloyd Keehner and Robert McGuire and Teresa & Harold Heller; Thomas’ siblings and their spouses, Agnes & Joseph Voss, Joseph & Catherine Wagner, Gerald & Helen Wagner.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a 4:30 pm Rosary on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one-hour visitation before Mass at the church on Thursday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the celebrant.
Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Monona, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.