Delbert A. Wagner, 80, of Ontario passed away Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, at his daughter’s home in La Crosse, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born May 12, 1933, to Reinholt and Beata (Von Haden) Wagner in the town of Oakdale, Wisconsin.
On Sept. 19, 1953, he was united in marriage to Emogene Spohn of Ontario. During Delbert’s military service, he and Emogene moved to Washington State. Following this, the two of them moved back to live on Emogene’s family farm. Delbert was a hardworking man, and dairy farming was his life. After selling his cows, he remained active on his farm, raising beef cattle.
He was a sweet and loving person who had a twinkle in his eyes when you talked with him. He treasured and cherished time spent with his grandkids and family. Delbert often spent his days transporting his Amish friends place to place. Delbert was an active member of the Ontario American Legion and Grace Community Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards with his family.
Delbert is survived by his children, Debbie (Dave) Pickett of La Crosse, Dennis (Samantha) Wagner of Ontario and Danielle (Jim) Fuchs of Hillsboro; four grandchildren, Ajay (Bergen) Pickett of Minnesota, Austin Pickett of Hawaii and Nathan and Nicklaus Fuchs of Hillsboro; sisters, Eldora Thomas of Norwalk and Eleanor Spohn of Ontario; along with other relatives and dear friends.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; his dear wife, Emogene, in July 2011; his brothers, Myron, Byron and Laverne Wagner; and a sister, Marcella Von Ruden.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Visitation also will be held Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Delbert. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
