Walter T. Wagner, Jr.

Somers – Walter T. Wagner, Jr., 89, formerly of Racine, passed away peacefully at United Health Systems – St. Catherine’s Medical Center on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. 

Walt was born in Chicago, IL on August 20, 1922 to the late Walter Sr. and Erna (nee: Lins) Wagner. He received his PhB in Industrial Psychology from Northwestern University. Walt faithfully served our country in the United States Army Air Corps as a 2^nd Lieutenant Pilot, training Bombardiers, in WWII. 

On September 18, 1965 in Evanston, IL he was united in marriage with Judith Ann (nee: Hartnett).  Walt was part-owner and vice-president of purchasing at Marlo, Inc. until his retirement. During retirement, Walt and Judi lived part-time in Venice, FL where he was a member of the American Legion Post 159. 

Walt enjoyed woodworking, furniture building, vegetable gardening, and travelling – especially with Judi on their European cruises. He was proud of going on a trade mission to Mexico with Governor Tommy Thompson. Above all, he loved nothing more than being in the company of his entire family. 

Surviving are his loving wife of over 46 years, Judi; their children, Melissa (G. Michael) Halfenger and Patrick (Patty) Wagner; his daughters, Susan (C. Lydon) Harrell and Nancy (W. Michael) Smith, grandchildren, Christy (Eric) Hebel, Nancy Rost, Betsy (Tony) Bugarin; Matt and Kyleigh Halfenger; Ben, Sam and Tim Wagner; great-grandchildren, Nathan and Claire Rost; and Lorenzo Bugarin; sister, Laurie Parrott; brother-in-law, John (Grace) Hartnett; foreign exchange son and daughter-in-law, Takeshi and Toshiko Koyama, and their children, Sae and Hiroki of Tokyo, Japan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. 

In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Wagner; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Parrott; as well as by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernard and Evelyn Hartnett. 

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 3 pm. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday from 1-3 pm. Private burial will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. 

A heartfelt note of thanks to the staff at St. Catherine’s Medical Center and Grande Prairie, especially Wendy Greco, for the compassionate care and support given in Walt’s time of need. May God bless all of you!