John William Wagie, 98, of East Troy died on Oct. 28, 2012, in his apartment at The Heritage Senior Living Center, in East Troy. He was surrounded by three of his four children, and his loyal home helper, as he entered into his Eternal Rest.
John was born on Sept. 10, 1914, in Oshkosh, to John and Bertha (Messerschmidt) Wagie.
John was united in holy matrimony to Margaret Ella Falk on May 26, 1945, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Whitewater.
They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary and were blessed with four children, John (Beth) of Jackson, Wis., Linda (Will) Billings of Santa Barbara, Calif., Marcella (Charles) Lowry of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Phillip (Taleen) of Milwaukee. They have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He is survived by two brothers, Eugene and Frederick Wagie.
John is preceded in death by two sisters, Esther (Sarozek) and Ruth (Stepke), and three brothers, Carl, Arthur and Walter Wagie.
John proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II in North Africa and Italy, building airstrips. His military years had a big impact on his life, and he shared his wartime experiences with family and friends until the end.
John was a faithful provider for his family, and a hard worker. After World War II, he worked as a farmhand, and later worked 27 years at Trent Tube in East Troy. He also worked part-time at the East Troy Lumber yard and Equity Co-op.
John was a strong Christian head of his home. He taught his children the values of hard work, thriftiness and faith in Jesus as their Savior. He wanted more for them than he had received, and sacrificed so they all could to go college and pursue careers.
John was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for 55 years. He willingly served on several boards, and was a choir member and usher.
After retiring from Trent Tube, he was the church/school custodian until age 80. He also mowed lawns for 12 friends, in addition to his own, until age 85. John loved to help others, and actually whistled while he worked!
John was fiercely devoted to his extended family. After he and all of his siblings were orphaned, they remained close through Sunday family get-togethers and annual Wagie reunions.
A Christian funeral will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2665 North St., East Troy, conducted by Pastor Timothy Kujath. Visitation from 9:30-11:30 a.m., followed by the church service, graveside interment, and a luncheon, with program. Interment at Oak Ridge Cemetery in East Troy.
The family requested memorials to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; And whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” –John 11:25
Heritage Funeral Home, New Berlin Chapel, assisted the family.
For guest book, visit www.heritagefuneral.com.
