Kenneth Charles Wagner, 91, of Castalia, Iowa entered into eternal life on September 18, 2022. Kenneth, the son of Frank and Monica Wagner, was born on September 11, 1931 in Lansing, Iowa. He was born at his grandparent’s house near the newly constructed Black Hawk Bridge. Kenneth always took great pride in telling people that he was as old as the bridge. Kenneth was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School where he participated in baseball, basketball and theater. After high school while farming with his dad, he answered the call and enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Germany where he was assigned to drive dignitaries and officers to their destinations. He was very proud to be recognized for his accident free service with over 6500 miles driven. He studied agriculture on the GI Bill while serving in the United States Army Reserve.
Kenneth met the love of his life, Doris Matt, at a wedding dance. They were later married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont on May 29, 1957. To this union nine children were born. The couple started out farming wth Kenneth’s parents in Lansing, IA. In 1965 they purchased a farm near Castalia, Iowa. They raised swine, beef cattle and row crops. He loved to run the bulldozer on the farm to improve the land. During his long career in farming, he was recognized many times for his efforts in soil conservation. He was honored to be awarded the Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1996 and in 1999, the “Century Conservation Farm Family.” Kenneth served on the Clermont Co-op Board, the Fayette Cattlemen’s Board, and was also a Grand Knight for the KC’s. He taught religious education classes at St. Peter’s and was a member of St. Peter’s Choir.
One of the things Kenneth was known for was his gift of gab and storytelling. A story was always better when told with his enthusiasm and animated gestures. He also enjoyed fishing, going to dances with his beautiful bride, cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers, and preserving our natural environment for future generations.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris Wagner; his nine children, Anna Marie (Jeff) Moellers, Arlington, IA; Kenneth Wagner, Castalia, IA; Vincent (Teri) Wagner, Clermont, IA; Sheila (Chris) Schaefer, Bellevue, NE; Teresa (Roger) Schmitt, Hawkeye, IA; Frank (special friend, Diannah), Clermont, IA; Alice Wagner, Calmar, IA; Arthur (Nancy) Wagner, Castalia, IA; Loretta (Al) Zechmann, Papillion, NE; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Clair Wagner; brothers and sisters in law, Dennis Rear, Ralph and Jeanine Matt, Albert and Betty Matt, Arthur and Laura Matt, Arlo and Mary Helen Schmitt, Robert and Evy Matt, Tom and Loretta Conrey and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Monica Wagner; father and mother in law Arthur and Alberta Matt; brothers Melvin Wagner and Cletus Wagner; sisters Millie Wagner, Leota Pfiffner, Bernice Walleser, Dolores Walleser, Lucille Wesseln; sisters in law Margaret Ann Wagner, Ginny Wagner, Catherine Wagner, Carla Rear, and Franny Matt; brothers in law Mike Pfiffner, Bill Walleser, Ed Walleser, Bob Wesseln; nephews Jerry Pfiffner, Roger Pfiffner, Bob Pfiffner, Duane Walleser, Jim Walleser, Rich Wagner, and Bobby Rear; and niece Nancy Schmitt.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 23, 2022 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before mass time at the church on Saturday.
Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Ralph Davis as the celebrant.
Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation service of Clermont, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.