Ken Wagner, 70, North Webster, passed away at his home on April 11, 2018, surrounded by his wife, children and grandsons. He was born on Sept. 26, 1947, in Nappanee, to Francis and Maxine Canen Wagner.
On July 4, 1968, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he married Judy Ridings, who survives.
Born and raised in Nappanee, Ken's family had a cottage on Syracuse Lake for many years. Ken graduated from Nappanee High School and attended Purdue University. A Vietnam veteran, Ken was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Moving to Indianapolis, he managed several Burger Chef restaurants and later Arby's restaurants. In 1978, the family moved to North Webster where Ken worked for C&J Construction and Searfoss Construction, then worked for many years at Ace Hardware in North Webster. Ken also worked at Dekko and Tippecanoe Siding. Ken was a member of North Webster Church of God where he sang bass in the men's gospel trio and quartet.
Ken also served on the North Webster Town Council and captained and drove the Dixie Boat around Webster Lake.
Ken is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Judy; a daughter, Mikki Oberg, North Webster; a son, Jackson Cory (Malary) Wagner, North Manchester; three grandsons: Chris Wagner, North Webster; Nick Wagner, North Manchester; and Braxton Oberg, North Webster; two great-grandsons, Areson Wagner and Grayson Wagner; three sisters: Betty Marguerite Adams, Nappanee; Marcia Yocum, Bristol; and Marla Deter, Milford; two brothers, Allen (Glenna) Wagner of Texas, and Randy (Diane) Wagner of Tucson, Ariz.; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded by his parents and a nephew.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 14, 2018, from 1-4 p.m. at the Eastlund Funeral Home. Services will immediately follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Judy officiating. Military Honors will conclude services.
*****
Memorial contributions to World Compassion Network, P.O. Box 1152 Warsaw, IN 46581; or The Rescue Mission, Lockbox A1, P.O .Box 2589, Fort Wayne, IN 46801.
