Ronald E. Wagner

Ronald “Ron” Edward Wagner, 77, peacefully entered Eternal Life on July 30th, 2021, by his family’s side at the VA CLC in Iron Mountain, MI. He was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois, but spent most of his life in the Upper Peninsula. Ron was born on August 1, 1943, son of the late Edward and Bernadine Wagner. He graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School and then Champaign Senior High School in 1961. Following high school, he joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Little Rock in the Mediterranean until 1964. Ron worked as a carpenter most of his life, working for Khoury’s Furniture and retiring from Bob’s Homes. After retiring, he continued to “use his hands and brain to make many unique items out of wood,” as he would put it. Throughout the years, he participated in many craft shows in Michigan and Wisconsin. Ron was very devoted to his Catholic faith. He belonged to Immaculate Conception Parish, where he spent many years as an Eucharist Minister. Besides going to church weekly, Ron looked forward to getting together with a very special group of friends: Roger Krebsbach, Bill Hasse, and Walt Arnold for prayer group every Monday. Another interest of Ron’s was traveling. He and his youngest daughter, Hannah, enjoyed traveling the United States and Mexico together. Besides spending time sightseeing with Hannah, Ron enjoyed sitting on the beach reading the Bible and Catholic books. Ron is survived by his three children: Sherri (Darren) Petschar, and Hannah Wagner, both of Kingsford, and Edward Wagner of Iron Mountain; five grandchildren and one grandson due in September; one great-grandchild; and five siblings: Barbara Forgette, and David (Elaine) Wagner of Iron Mountain, Mary Howard, Susan Grace (Randy) Rominger, and Richard Wagner, all of Champaign County, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Bernadine Wagner, and three brothers-in-law, Gary Grace, Robert Forgette, Sr., and Kennith Howard. Visitation will be held Friday, August 6th from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery, following mass. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ronald “Ron” Edward Wagner online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Ronald E. Wagner

August 1, 1943 - July 30, 2021