Marvin A. Wagner

MIDDLETON- Marvin Arthur "Jim" Wagner, age 89, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2016, at his home of over fifty years. He was born on Dec.11, 1926, in Tomah, Wis., the youngest child of Louis and Ella (Wendland) Wagner. Marvin lived on the family farm with his parents and siblings. He was a graduate of Tomah High School, where he excelled in academics and was a member of the state championship debate team. Marvin served in the U.S. Navy for both WWII and the Korean War. Marvin attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison; where he received both his bachelor and master's degrees with highest honors and pursued his PH.D in school administration. He and his wife taught four years in Alton, Ill., near St. Louis, before he accepted the position of Principal at Elm Lawn Elementary School and returned to Wisconsin. Marvin was the first principal of E.G. Kromrey Middle School and the superintendent of Joint School District No.3. This was followed by the position of Assistant Superintendent with the Middleton/Cross Plains School district. After 32 years of dedicated and unwavering service, Marvin retired in 1989. Marvin served for ten years on the Middleton Public Library Board and was the director for two terms. He enjoyed his role as a voting poll volunteer for 22 years. He loved Olbrich Gardens in Madison where he volunteered every Sunday amassing over four thousand hours of service. Marv was a founding organizer for the Middleton Youth Foundation and a member of the Middleton Optimists for many years. He also is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Middleton. Marvin is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 62 years, Grace Mary Dooley Wagner. They proved that love isn't a matter of counting the years, but making the years count. They always looked together in one direction, focusing on growing their friendship. Together they nurtured their daughter, Lauren Ann, who married Randy Larson in 1994. Lauren and Randy presented them with their only grandchild, Christine Nicole in 1997. Together, along with dear pets, Friskie and Oliver, they all enjoyed family time, their lake cottage in Oxford, Wis., their hunting woods in Green Lake County, and many trips that included all fifty state capitals, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Lauren and Randy passed within three years of each other, leaving their daughter, Christi (then aged 13; now age 18) in their tender care. Christi is a senior at Waunakee High School and is a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee, where she has received support and love since her parents' deaths. Marvin is survived by nieces, Lois Jean (Roland) Von Haden, Judy (Leo) McLaughlin, Wanda (Ted) Schleicher, and Bonnie (Kenneth) Reekie of Tomah, Wis., Peg Jones (Dan) of Sheboygan, Wis.; nephews, Tom Walgren of Waukesha, Wis., and Fred (Susie) Walgren of Phoenix, AZ; and grandnephews and grandnieces throughout Wisconsin, Colorado, Oregon and Arizona. Also in Marvin's life has been Conni Hofeldt-Rowe (Bruce Rowe). Her life and that of her families have been intertwined with the Wagner family since Conni was a student of Grace's at Cherokee Jr. High, when she, too, lost both of her parents. Marv was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ella Wagner; his brother, Ray (Bud) Wagner; and his sister, Iris Walgren. Also preceding him are his daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Randy Larson of Waunakee. Marv will always be remembered for his wonderful zest for life, his passion for sports; particularly baseball. Marv played semi-pro ball for the U.S. Navy and had been a fan of the Chicago White Sox since age eleven. His other passions included horticulture, collecting the art of Owen Gromme, hunting in their woods and fishing at their cottage. He always offered a helping hand when needed and was humble about his talents and accomplishments. His success in the ownership and management of their real estate properties is an indication of his tireless work ethic and his ingenuity. The funeral service in celebration of and in tribute to his happy life will be held at SAINT LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016, with the Rev. Roger Eigenfeld and Pastor Karen Locken of Peace Lutheran Church, Waunakee concelebrating. A 2 p.m. committal service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park including full military honors. Entombment will be in the family mausoleum crypt next to Lauren and Randy. There will be a visitation from 4 pm until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2016, at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, and again one hour before the funeral service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marv's favorite charity, The Dane County Humane Society. Marv, as we think of you each day, we will share your memory with family and friends. You will always hold a reserved place in our hearts. We thank you for the gift your living brought to us. We love you and we miss you! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761