Wagner, John Edmund

John Edmund Wagner, 72, of North Liberty, passed away Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, at Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab Center in Coralville. As were his wishes, John will be cremated, with graveside services to be held at Garrett Cemetery near What Cheer at a later date.

Friends may send condolences or sign the online guest book at www.hollandcoblefuneralhomes.com.

John Edmund Wagner was born Aug. 4, 1941, in What Cheer, Iowa, the son of Earl and Hilda (Moore) Wagner. John spent his childhood growing up in the town of What Cheer. He attended Tri-County High School, graduating with the class of 1959. He developed his love for sports in his early years and played every sport that was available to him. Upon graduation, he went to Mount Pleasant for two years and attended Iowa Wesleyan. John then moved to California, where he worked for a short time before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He spent 20 years in the Air Force working in the accounting department. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to the Iowa City area and attended the University of Iowa, completing his degree in accounting. With his degree in hand, he purchased a laundromat in Des Moines. John resided in Des Moines for 15 years before his love for his family and Hawkeye sports brought him back to North Liberty.

He was a fan of all sports, but the University of Iowa Hawkeyes were his team of choice. He attended all the sporting events that he could. John even won the “Fan of the Year Award” from the university for his devotion to Hawkeye athletics. When not enjoying a sporting event, John would pass the time with his family or teeing it up with his friends at the Brown Deer Golf Course. John held a special place with his family and the many that called him friend.

John was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and a nephew.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Carol (Leroy) Clark of Mount Vernon; and his niece, Lisa (Tom) Davies of Rhode Island, and their two daughters, Bethany and Rachel.

Published Dec. 3, 2013 in The Gazette