WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Barbara J. Wagner, 78, of White Pigeon, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014 at her home following a short illness. She was born on Aug. 16, 1936 in Cook County, Ill., the daughter of Robert and Lillian (Topal) Diesniess.
She moved to White Pigeon area when she was 12 years old from Parkridge, Ill. Graduate of White Pigeon High School in 1954.
Barbara had been employed as an aide for Sturgis Hospital and Continental Can in Three Rivers. Homemaker and owner and operator of Wagner Farms with her husband where she helped with the milking and keeping the books for the farm.
She was known for her being a volunteer at the Sturgis Hospital organizing casino trips as fundraisers, Bingo Lady at Thurston Woods Village for over 25 years. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, traveling, baseball trips for the church and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. Every year at Christmas she baked and delivered hundreds of cookies. Member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sturgis.
*Married to John P. Wagner on June 2, 1956 in Sturgis. He survives with her daughter, Tami (John) Miller of Constantine; son, Tim (Connie) Wagner of White Pigeon; four grandchildren, Ashley Kay, Lindsay Jo, Josh and Zachary John; sister, Marilyn Meert of Plainwell. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Roberta.
Visitation will be held on Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sturgis with the Pastor Paul Stern officiating. Interment will take place in White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Donations may be directed to Sturgis Hospice or Thurston Woods Village.
