Wilbert A. Wagner (Billy), age 92, of Glenbeulah, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 1, 2016 at home with his family.
He was born on May 22, 1923 to the late Leo & Clara (Schneider) Wagner. He was baptized, confirmed and attended St. Peter's Parochial School and Catholic Church in St. Peter.
On October 9, 1945 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Goeser at St. Cloud Catholic Church in St. Cloud, WI. They recently celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Billy and Betty successfully owned and operated their dairy farm in the town of Greenbush until his retirement. He also trucked milk for the Henry Kohlman cheese factory and Tolibia Cheese. He served on the St. Cloud Parish Council for many years. He enjoyed farming, gardening, polka dancing, and spending time with his family. Wilbert was gifted with an extensive knowledge of the genealogy of Holyland families and enjoyed sharing this history.
Survivors include his wife, Betty; nine children, Ann (Lawrence) Eberle of Plymouth, Mark (Carol) Wagner of Glenbeulah, Earl (Kathi) Wagner of Plymouth, James (Gail) Wagner of Plymouth, Warren (Theresa) Wagner of Plymouth, Joseph (Laura) Wagner of Glenbeulah, Mary (Michael) Goebel of Eden, Nicholas of Milwaukee, and Jane of Glenbeulah; 23 grandchildren, Donald (Brenda) Eberle, Jean (Robert) Vollbrecht, Joyce Eberle, David (Rachel) Eberle, Christopher Wagner, Jill Wagner, Jodi Wagner (fiance' Lloyd Rebedew), Brent (Becky) Wagner, Chad (Nicole) Wagner, Erik Wagner, Kurt (Caroline) Wagner, Wendy (Andrew) Burch, Steven (Stacy) Wagner, Paul (Lisa) Wagner, Lynn (Christopher) Lisowe, Thomas (Maureen) Wagner, Andrew (Abigail) Wagner, Leah Wagner, Andrea (Aaron) Morris, Tony Wagner, Bradley Wagner (fiancee' Kim Immel), Katie (Joseph) Schultz, Emily (Kory) Bestul; and 35 great-grandchildren. Wilbert is further survived by one brother, Gerald (Genevieve) Wagner of St. Peter, three sisters, Irma (Rolland) Wolff of Fond du Lac, Dolores Wagner of Stockton, CA, and Marilyn Wagner of Fond du Lac; sisters-in-law, Mary (Edmund) Kraus of St. Peter and Genevieve Wagner of St. Peter.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Ervin (in infancy) and Raymond (Valeria ) Wagner of St. Peter; two sisters, Orlina and Eleanor of Fond du Lac; father and mother-in-law, Nick and Anna Goeser; in-laws, Johanna and Andrew Freund of Fond du Lac, Othmar and Alice Goeser of Plymouth, Germaine and Leander Braun of St. Peter, Edmund Kraus of St. Peter, and grand-daughter-in-law, Julie (Erik) Wagner.
Private services will be held.
For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud (920) 999-2291 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.org
The family would like to extend sincerest thanks to Fr Gary Wegner and Sr Jenada Fanetti, Dr Andrea Gavin and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. A very special thanks and recognition is extended to Laura and Joe Wagner for their care during these past few months.