George J. Wagner

George J. Wagner passed away on October 12, 2021.

His first wife, Gladys Hoffman from Edgar, WI, passed away in August of 1996. They are survived by Thomas (Judy) Wagner, Dr. Cheryl Wagner (John Schaffter), Dr. Dan (Anita) Wagner, and Dr. John (Dr. Thanh Duong) Wagner, 5 grandchildren (Carla Collins, Elizabeth Brown, Alexandra and Clair Schaffter and Matthew Wagner), and 4 great-grandchildren (Pierce and Luke Collins, Garrett and Patrick Brown).

George is survived by his second wife Ann Black, her three sons and their families.

George was born on a farm in Edgar, Wisconsin on November 9, 1925 to George and Margaret Wagner. He was the third oldest of 10 children and was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 5 sisters. One sister, Delores, survives.  He was a beloved member of a large and boisterous family and the highlight of his summers was attending the annual family reunions at the family farm.

He attended school in Edgar, graduated in 1943, and immediately enlisted in the Signal Corps reserve and began training in the new field of electronics. When he turned 18 he was called to active duty and after a few early training moves he joined the 86th Infantry Division in April of 1944.

Eventually his Division saw action in Europe in early 1945 and on completion of the war in Europe, they returned to the U.S. The 86th was one of the few units transferred to the Pacific due to their amphibious training. After some time in the Philippines, he returned home with the rank of Staff Sergeant and was discharged in August of 1946.

He attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in June of 1950.

George spent his career in the paper industry.   Over his 39 year career he rose quickly into administration and managed paper mills in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Butler, Alabama; Halsey, Oregon; and had head office positions in Greenwich, Connecticut. He retired in Green Bay as Vice President of Lake States Operations of James River Corporation in 1989.

He believed in community service and generously gave his skills and time to civic organizations in the communities in which he lived.

He will be buried in Edgar, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 16th immediately after a memorial mass to be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 10:00 AM.  Visitation will be at the church beginning at 9:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, it was his wish that donations may be made to the charity of your choice, Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church (1028 White Point Road, Niceville, FL 32578, corcatholic.org) or the Christine Center (W 8303 Mann Road, Willard, WI 54493-8731, christinecenter.org).