Edward A. Wagner's Obituary
Edward Anslem Wagner, age 92, of Centerville, Iowa, and a resident at Golden Age Skilled Nursing for 4 years, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at the care center in Centerville. He was born the son of Henry F. and Sylvia (Elder) Wagner on June 15, 1923 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He received his education in the Cedar Rapids High School. In 1942, Edward listed in the Navy after high school, where he was a gunner's mate during WWII and was honorably discharged in February of 1946. Edward saw one of the Atomic bombs drop and commented about how the sand looked like glass afterwards, his comment was published in the paper in Peoria, Illinois. He never really liked to talk about the war. After returning home in 1946, he worked for his father who owned the Cooler Tap Tavern in East Peoria, Illinois. He later worked at Caterpillar and an article was published in the Peoria Journal Star about safety glasses saving his eye. Edward also worked at Fruehauf Trucking in East Peoria, Illinois and Melvin Trucking in Peoria, Illinois. His family lived in East Peoria, Illinois and Sunnyland, Illinois for many years. On April 9, 1951, Edward was united in marriage to Peggie J. Blair in Pekin, Illinois. The year they were married, Truman was President, musical memories were 'Hey Good Lookin'', and best actor was Humphrey Bogart, and a 3 bedroom house cost $9000.00. After moving to Centerville, Iowa in the late 1980's, Edward began working at Walmart when the store was built and continued working for several years. He never met a stranger, talking to everyone, sweeping floors, filling soda machines and keeping the restrooms spotless. Then Edward retired to care for his ailing wife. Edward was well liked by many and will be missed but never forgotten as we hold his memory in our hearts and minds.He was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Peggie Wagner on December 8, 2009; four sisters and one brother.Edward is survived by: his daughters, Pennie Hornback and her husband, Wayne of Plano, Iowa, Catherine Moore and her husband, Kevin of Paducah, Kentucky and Angela Padgett and her husband, Tony of Lander, Wyoming; ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Monday, March 21, 2016 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Fr. Bill Hubmann officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2016 from 2 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home with the family present from 6 pm until 8 pm.Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association and can be left or mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edward A. Wagner please visit our Sympathy Store.
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