James (Jim) William Wagner, a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2017, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born to Roland Sr. and Marjorie (Krause) Wagner on October 16, 1948. He was preceded in death by both parents, a half-brother, Charles (Chuck) Krause and brother-in-law Brent Tufte.
Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends and lived life to the fullest. His love of family and the outdoors lead to many years of camping at Wagner Bay on Lake Francis in Elysian, Minn., where he was born and raised. He spent 38 years working for the Department of Natural Resources in Lanesboro at the Area Fisheries as Stream Habitat Improvement Coordinator for years and eventually as area manager. After retiring from the DNR, he was able to devote his time to Wagner Construction and enjoyed that even up to recent months. He volunteered for the Lanesboro Fire Department and Ambulance Service and served as fire chief for many years. He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. As a self taught wood worker, he enjoyed making hand-crafted items that were given to family and friends and will be treasured forever. His love of the great outdoors lead to a love of hunting that he shared with his family and friends, with many stories to be shared over the years. His gardening expertise shared with his wife, Kim, resulted in a many wonderful gifts of fresh and canned goods. Jim was also an avid player of bean bags and horseshoes resulting in lots of fun and laughter, especially at the lake with his family.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Kim, children Kris (Keith) Bradt of Chatfield, Rob (Melissa Konsti), and Jerod (Deneen Krohn), all of Lanesboro. He was an awesome grandpa (some call him Gpa) to eight grandkids: Kyle (Anna), Karter (Jessica Marzolf), Katelin Bradt, Amanda, Katrina (Jeff Thompson), Kelsey (Mitch Schluter), Nick, and Mady Wagner. He loved his great-grandkids Kyla, Lykias, and Marius. Also survived by his sister Joanie Markytan and brother Rollie (Flo) Wagner, all of Elysian, Minn., and Kim’s family, Loren Tufte, Blaine (Mary) and Grace, Alison and Peighton, all of Lanesboro.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with Pastor Kerry Eversole officiating. Committal service will follow at Lanesboro Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church Monday, August 7, 2017, 5-8 p.m., and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a condolence with the family press visit rileyfuneralhomes.com.