William "Bill" B. Wagner Sr.

William (Bill) Wagner, Sr., age 84 of rural LaValle, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on March 1, 1939, in Chicago, IL, the son of Corvin and Arlene (Borman) Wagner.

On October 21, 1961, Bill was united in marriage to Patricia ‘Pat’ Dlouhy. In their 61 years of marriage, they were blessed with four children, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Bill lived his life on his terms. At age 17, he entered the Navy, serving on the USS Newport News (CA-148) as a weatherman and traveled to far off places like Greece. He enjoyed reconnecting with his shipmates later in life.

After living in Illinois, where he worked for Sears for over 15 years, Bill and Pat relocated to LaValle in 1978. They found the perfect land and Bill built their family home where they lived for the rest of their lives. Bill and Pat operated the Montgomery Ward store in Reedsburg and then he moved on to become a Builder, then Contractor, and eventually a Developer (Wilpat Construction & Development - Wellington Place Subdivision). If you were a person of integrity and one he trusted, a handshake would seal the deal with him.

After retirement, Bill and Pat preferred the warmer winter temps at their home in Florida and tropical cruises, having gone on 19. You could always find him working around on his land or in his shop or planting flowers or trees for his wife.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia, who passed away 3 ½ months ago, his parents, as well as his granddaughter, Ella Wagner. Bill is survived by his children, William Jr. “Bill” Wagner of Reedsburg, Susanne (Ron) Gardner of LaValle, Jennifer (Tim) Hoege of Waunakee, Robert Wagner of LaValle; grandchildren, Sarah Gardner, Cathryn (Garrett) Sitas, Sharesea Busser, Aaron (Hannielyn) Gardner, Andrew Gardner, Natalie Hoege, Tim Hoege, Jr. and Emmi Wagner; great grandchildren, Avery, Elliana, Asa, Noelle, Aurora and Zalea.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for William B. Wagner will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Luke Powers officiating. Military honors will follow the service. Following the service, there will be a luncheon at the Fusch Community Center in Reedsburg. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Newport News Veterans Group or Reedsburg’s American Legion Post 350.

The service will be live streamed. Please see video link below.

Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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