Roger G. Wagner 1926-2009

WAGNER, THEILEN, HEIDERSCHEIT, DONOVAN, RINIKER, BETTCHER, MURPHY, MARTIN

Posted By: J. N. (email)
Date: 4/15/2009 at 23:11:41

Telegraph Herald
Dubuque, Iowa
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Roger G. Wagner

Roger G. Wagner, 83, of 2333 Birchwood Drive, let go of this world and took the hand of Jesus at 10:25 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009.

Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps. League. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, where there will be a parish scripture wake service at 3 p.m.

He was born on March 2, 1926, in Dubuque, son of Arthur and Claire (Theilen) Wagner. He married Norma A. Heiderscheit on Oct. 14, 1950, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church; she preceded him in death on Aug. 29, 2004.

Roger lived in the Dubuque and Asbury areas all his life and was a graduate of Loras Academy. He served in the Army during World War II in China, Burma and India.

Roger retired in 1991 from Inland Molasses Co. where he was employed for 34 years and was the terminal superintendent for his last 21 years.

He was a member and usher at St. Joseph the Worker Parish and attended Mass daily.

Walking at Kennedy Mall and having coffee with his buddies afterward was one of Roger's favorite past times. He loved being with his family, playing cards, taking care of his yard plants and playing Wheel of Fortune every night with his daughters. His sense of humor and friendliness will be greatly missed.

Surviving are three daughters, Lynn (Mike) Donovan, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Tina (Nick) Riniker and Leesa (Jim) Bettcher, both of Dubuque; grandchildren, Mike E. (Juli) Donovan and Adrienne Donovan, both of Council Bluffs, and Chelsea Bettcher and Travis Bettcher, both of Dubuque; great-grandchildren, Kayla and Emily Donovan and a great-grandson expected in June; his brother, Howard Wagner, of Dubuque; and nieces, Sara Murphy and Ann Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his much loved and tenderly cared-for wife, Norma; a sister-in-law, Patricia; and an infant brother.

A Roger G. Wagner Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at obits

@egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The Wagner family wishes to thank the therapists, nurses, CNAs and staff at ManorCare, the staff of the Physical Rehabilitation Unit at Mercy Medical Center and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their encouragement, comfort, care and support.