John Phillip Wagner
January 28, 1947 ~ January 9, 2024
John Phillip Wagner, 76 of Princeton formerly of Dixon passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at OSF Saint Francis in Peoria.
John was born on January 28, 1947 in Sterling the son of James and Bessie (Reckers) Wagner. He married Sandra Smith on November 28, 1964. He worked for Northwestern Steel and Wire Mill in Sterling, IL prior to his retirement. John and Sandy would spend most of their summers in Illinois and winters in Arizona for many years after he retired. John enjoyed playing poker, fishing and line dancing. He was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan but most of all he loved spending time with his family and beloved fury companion, Packer.
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandy Wagner of Princeton; five children, Brian Wagner of Dixon, Beckie (Todd) Vacek of Dixon, Jody (Douglas) Wagner-Hansen of Princeton, Mark (My) Wagner of Mesa, AZ and Melissa (Craig) Wenger of Dixon; 13 grandchildren, John, Nate, Alex, Natalie, Hannah, Nick, Emily, Avery, Whitney, Sarah, Mark Jr., Paige and Jacob; 22 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Walt (Jenny) Wagner of Dixon, Steve (Ellen) Wagner and Linda Hines both of Sterling; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings, Doris Parker, Marie Boehm, James “Bud” Wagner, Robert “Bob” Wagner and Shirley Smith.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Memorial may be directed to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon, IL.
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These past 2 years, in particular, have been very, very sorrowful years for me and my (our) family. It’s hard going forward in time, when all of your life you’ve had the guidance of your parent(s), your Aunts, your Uncles, and even the cousins who are older than you…to lead the way.
I am the eldest Wagner son of the next generation, yet I feel lost and without an anchor.
I wasn’t prepared to feel this way. Is this normal??
Anyway….I’m very sorry. This isn’t about me. It’s about you and our family.
I miss you, Uncle John.
I love you.