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John Henry Wagner, Jr., age 101, died February 20, 2018 at Bowman House in Three Rivers. He was born in Goshen, Indiana on November 3, 1916 the son of John H. and Grace (Miller) Wagner. The family moved to Three Rivers in 1917. John became an Eagle Scout, and graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1934. He joined the US Air Force in 1942 and served in Italy for two years during WWII. Upon his return to Three Rivers he was married to Paulyne Grant at her family home on North Main Street by Rev. Stanley Thayer of the First United Methodist Church.
John was employed by the Johnson Corporation for 41 years, retiring as Vice President of Purchasing. He was a former caddy and member of the Sauganash Country Club for 74 years, and where he was Club Champion several times. He is a fifty-year member of the First United Methodist Church and the American Legion. He was also a life member of the Masonic Lodge, and during his working years belonged to the Three Rivers Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. From 1978 to 2010 he and his wife wintered in Coconut Creek, Florida.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Paulyne in 2009; brother, Marlyn Wagner; sisters, Dorothy Kaiser and Ann Mell; in laws, Oscar and June Grant, Ralph and Betty Grant, and L.G. and Louise Rhodes. He is survived by a son and daughter in law, Robert J. and Kathleen Wagner of Three Rivers; grandsons, Robert J. Wagner, Jr. and William J. (Kristine) Wagner; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be 11 am on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at the funeral home with Rev. Derl Kiefer and Rev. Donna Miller officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to either Great Lakes Caring Hospice, Bowman House Assisted Living, or to the First United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed online at www.efhchapel.com
