Jack Arthur Wagner, 89, of Ottumwa died at 1:56 p.m. July 12, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
He was born May 22, 1935 in Ottumwa to William “Babe” Theodore and Mary Helen Skinner Wagner. He married Janice Kay Neis on October 23, 1965.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School he had worked at Tractor Supply, John Morrell and Co. until the plant closed in 1973 and for over 20 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works.
Jack was known for his quick wit. He enjoyed working on cars, playing and creating music, “Honkey Tonkin” as well as sitting in with and watching bands, especially Country Squires. Most importantly, Jack loved spending time with his grandchildren and his pets, especially Kyler and Scruffy.
Surviving is his wife, Janice; children, Brenda Poole of Ottumwa, Jerry (Trisha) Wagner of Ottumwa, Bill (Kim “Bama”) Wagner of Ottumwa, Kim Wagner of Waterloo and Jason Wagner of Ottumwa; 11 grandchildren including Clayton Wagner and his daughter, Lila Mae whom he helped raise; 20 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Norma Jean Dillener of Springfield, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Jack Wagner.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 18th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 19th at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.
