Oscar J. Wagner

Oscar J. Wagner Jr. of Hartford was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, August 9th at the age of 82; surrounded by his loving family at his home. 

Oscar was born on May 30, 1935 to Oscar Wagner Sr. and Gertrude (Gehl) in Slinger, Wisconsin.  

Oscar is survived by his four children; Timothy Wagner, Kevin Wagner, Heidi (William) Reichelt and Jolene (Jason) Burmeister; eight grandchildren; Cierra, Tyler, Derek, Max, Cole, Madison, Hayden and Halle; his 4 brothers, William, Michael (Darlene), James (Christine), and Paul (Kim); many nieces, nephews and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents; Oscar and Gertrude Wagner and his sister-in- law, Rosemary Wagner.

Oscar resided in Slinger and Hartford his entire life. He enjoyed telling stories about his younger days. “When I was a little boy, a big ice cream cone was only a nickel.”  He began coin collecting at a young age, when doing his paper route, he noticed someone paid him with a buffalo nickel.  In his teenage years, he worked for Wittenburg, washing and parking cars. After high school, he began working at Midas International Stamping Company in Hartford until he retired. He was a dedicated employee, “49 years and 10 months when you count all my overtime,” he would say.  On June 4, 1960, he wed Diane Eske.  They were married for 44 years.  Oscar enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; he was always on the go.  In the morning, he had coffee with his friends at McDonald’s; talking about politics, reading the newspaper and sharing pictures of his grandchildren.  He enjoyed fishing, going to the Slinger races, playing cards, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He enjoyed reminiscing of days when we would go up north to our farm, in Neshkoro, where family and friends would gather.

Oscar will be remembered for his smile, which always seemed to be present.  For his generosity, his will to live, and his faith; always carrying a small cross in his wallet.  His family was his priority and his grandchildren were his world.  He was a simple man; never doing much for himself; but always for others. We have been blessed to have him in our lives.  Rest in Peace, Dad; thank you for the memories and for all the cookies, candy bars and donuts you spoiled the grandchildren (boopsie, beeners) with.

Family will receive relatives and friends Friday, August 18th from Noon -2PM at the Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home-Hartford. Fr. David LaPlante will officiate.  Memorial service will follow at 2PM at the funeral home.  Private Interment St. Kilian’s Cemetery

In lieu of flowers; donations to the American Heart Association and the Diabetes Association are appreciated.   If you have a favorite memory of Oscar to share; our family would love to read it.

A special thank you to Cedar Lake Hospice who helped us care for our father at home.

The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home-Hartford is serving the family.

www.berndt-ledesma.com

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