R. Gordon Wagner

R. Gordon Wagner

Watkins

R. Gordon Wagner, 84, of Watkins, Iowa, entered his heavenly home on May 20, 2023. Gordon passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family after complications from heart failure.

Gordon was born July 1, 1938, to Ralph and Grayce (Gorvin) Wagner south of Oxford, Iowa. Gordon was one of nine siblings growing up on the farm and attended country school until attending and graduating from Oxford High School in 1956.

Gordon met his wife Leola (Becker) and they were married Feb. 26, 1962. Gordon and Leola moved to the Becker farm in Watkins, in 1964 and had six children, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Grayce; in-laws, Leo and Opal Becker; son, Joseph; granddaughter, Sara Wagner; siblings, Dick Wagner, Elaine Meade and Bob Wagner; and his in-laws, Deon, Loren, Vernon, Donna and Jack.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Leola; daughters, Corrine (Joe) Kimm, Andrea (Chad) Klostermann and Jessica (Neil) Ryan; and sons, Don (Judy) and Ron (Tami).

Gordon enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1961 and served six years. Gordon farmed his whole life and had a special love for raising beef cattle. Gordon enjoyed fishing and camping, as well as deer and pheasant hunting with his family and friends on their property. Gordon and Leola loved traveling and fishing. Canada was his favorite annual trip with his wife, children and their families.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gordon’s granddaughter, Danielle (Kimm) Schulte for her loving care that allowed him to remain at home in peace and comfort during his final months, along with his loving wife, Leola. Thank you to the cardiology team at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Nurses at Hospice of Mercy.

Gordon’s life will be celebrated with a visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 22, at St. Michaels’s Catholic Church of Norway, with a prayer service at 5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, at the Church with Father Craig Steimel officiating. Burial will take place at St. Patricks and St. Pauls Cemetery, Watkins, with military honors.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Online condolences can be sent at www.hrabakfuneralservice.com.

Brosh Funeral Service of Norway is assisting the family.