Obituary of Gloria Wagner

Gloria Ann Wagner, 84, Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on November 2, 2013 at Wisconsin Rapids Nursing and Rehab Center after a three year gallant battle against Alzheimer?s and lung cancer. Gloria was born on March 5, 1929 in Villa Park, IL, where she was raised. She attended and graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL. She met H.J. Bud Wagner at a V.F.W. dance in Bensenville, IL on October 1st and they were married on November 20, 1948. They continued to reside in Bensenville for 18 years where they raised their family. Gloria worked for an engineering firm as a secretary and was a model part time. Bud had a variety of businesses during those years. Gloria was always by his side, helping in any way she could with all the paperwork, billing, filing, and answering the telephone. After they sold their business and home they moved to a small farm they bought in McHenry County, IL. Bud and son Steve were partners in a service station. Bud operated a decorating business of wall papering and interior painting. Bud and Gloria were both dog lovers and had raised dogs on and off during their married years. They raised German short haired pointers for some years at the farm under the name of Vonvagner?s Kennels. Gloria loved caring for the litters of puppies and the older dogs, the only problem was, Gloria never wanted to part with any of the pups. Bud and Steve sold their business and the farm and moved to Wisconsin Rapids where they bought a tavern and named it Wag?s Place. Once again Bud and Steve were partners. Gloria helped with bookwork and inventory and on a rare occasion would tend bar for an hour or two. She quickly learned that this was not her line of work. Gloria and Bud made many wonderful friends while owning Wag?s, some of whom to this day are still their dearest friends. They sold the bar, Bud went back to decorating and Steve, his wife, and daughter moved to Madison, WI where he entered the building trade. Bud retired at 62 due to severe arthritis. Gloria enjoyed reading, doing needle point, bird watching, fishing, being outdoors, and playing with the dogs. In her younger years, she was a champion roller skater and an excellent bowler. Always first and foremost in her life was her family. She dearly loved family gatherings on holidays, picnics in the summer or any reason for a family party. Gloria is survived by her husband, Bud of 65 blessed years; daughter: Kathleen (Mark) Schaak, Dammeron Valley, Utah; son: Steven (Patty) Wagner, Madison, WI; granddaughter: Micky (Chris) Aamodt; great-granddaughter: Stella; great-grandson: Axel, St. Paul, MN; grandson: Daniel (Becky) Rancho Cucamonea, CA; sister-in-law: Dorothy Matson, Hall Mowell, ME; brother-in-law: Harold Eickelman, Bensenville, IL; niece: Laurel (Mark) Rose, Bensenville, IL; nephews: John Eickelman (Diane) (Gloria loved him like a son), New River, AZ; Scott Eickelman, Villa Park, IL; Dean Eickelman, Bensenville, IL; Lynn Matson (Phyllis), Belgrade Lake, ME; Dr. Dean Ward, Las Vegas, NV; Dr. Randy Ward, Ft. Wayne, IN. She was preceded in death by her mother, Hilma (nee Jaynes), father David Roberts, two older brothers, two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and one nephew. Gloria?s family extends their heartfelt thanks to Doris and all the staff at the Wisconsin Rapids Nursing and Rehab Center for all their kindness, loving, and compassionate care they gave to Gloria. A memorial service will be held in the near future. The location and date will be published in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune. God bless you all. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family.