James E. Wagner

James Edward Wagner, 85, formerly of La Crosse passed away Wednesday Oct. 2, 2013 at Auburn Manor in Chaska, MN. Jim was born on May 16, 1928, in La Crosse, one of three boys born to Florence S. Daley Wagner. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1946 where he was a member of the basketball team that won the state championship. He was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard 1948-1949.

Jim married Mary Desmond in 1949 and they raised a family of five. They were members of Blessed Sacrament Parish and believed strongly in Catholic Education. They enjoyed the company of many good friends in La Crosse.

Jim believed in giving his best to any task and had a strong work ethic. He worked for the Trane Company in LaCrosse until Jim’s new job with 3M led him to Edina, MN in 1965. He was in the Sales Division for over 30 years until his retirement in 1992. He enjoyed traveling after his retirement and he loved beautiful sunsets and often took pictures of them on his travels. He still remained a huge Packer and Bucky Badger fan!

Jim is survived by his daughters Nancy (Robert) Meyer, Jane Wagner and Mary Brockberg, and sons James Michael Wagner and Thomas (LaVonne) Wagner; grandchildren Elizabeth (Dave) Gallo, Trevor Wagner, Geoffrey (Allison) Wagner, Daniel, Matthew, and Krista Brockberg, and Breanna Wagner. In addition he is survived by his brothers Joseph Wagner and John (Lois) Wagner. He is also survived by his good friend Dominic LaPorta, a fellow 3M employee who helped care for him as his health declined. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Florence, his grandmother Sophia and grandfather Thomas Daley.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday Oct. 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd. So. Rev. Peter Raj will officiate. The family will be receiving friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to a charity of choice or Blessed Sacrament Parish.