John was born to Clinton ''Bus'' and Darlene (Hansen) Wagner on January 16th, 1955, at the Dodge County Community Hospital. John was proud to have lived his entire life on or next to his family home. John attended school at Hooper Elementary, Broadview District 89, and Jr., Sr. High School at Logan View, where he graduated in 1973. During his high school years, John worked for Elwood Wobken, whom he deemed as the smartest man on earth, always making sure to point out, ''This is an Elwood song playing,'' when 70's music was on.
Immediately following graduation, John started farming. He farmed for 27 years, but sat on the Smiley farming advisory board, offering advice and guidance for his brother Eric, sons Matt and Marcus, and anyone else he felt would benefit. In 1977, he married Lark Brandt. They welcomed two sons, Marcus John and Matt Thomas. They later divorced. In 2004, John was united in marriage to Renee (Wallin) Baker and added 3 stepsons to the family.
In addition to farming, John worked for Marsh Farm Supply, Hoegemeyer Hybrids, and Wismont Trucking. In 2009, John and his sons proudly purchased a lively little bar in Winslow, NE, and operated it until the flood of 2019. ''Smiley's'' was his home away from home. John loved advising from one side of the bar (guess which one)!
John loved his family, Farmall, IH Tractors, Nebraska Football, and the Cleveland Indians. He hated camping but did it grudgingly because Renee loved it.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton ''Bus'' and Darlene, grandparents, and his dear sister and brother-in-law, Rita (Jim) Christianson.
John leaves behind his wife Renee, sons Marcus (Sara) Wagner of Blair, Matt (Anna) Wagner, of Hooper, stepsons, Dustin Baker, of Wayne, Andrew Baker of Fort Collins, Co., and Joel (Leslie) Baker of Norfolk. Grandchildren, Noah Kuefler, Corbin Wagner, Jase Baker, Liza Baker, Summer Wagner and Bowen Wagner. Brothers, Tom (Diane) Wagner, Eric (Julie Wolfgram) Wagner, of Hooper and Sister Teresa (Mike) Brohimer of Lincoln, along with many nieces, nephews and a large circle of friends. He was also lucky enough to have 4 of the best dogs ever. Spike for 17 years, Buddy for 10 years, Harley for 5 years and Karley, his ''baby girl'' who misses him terribly.
The family is requesting that anyone who has ''Smiley's'' gear, please wear it to the visitation at Ludvigsen's Hooper Funeral Chapel Thursday, May 15, from 5-7pm and funeral services on Friday, 2pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church also in Hooper.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(8)
Mary Ellen (Schwab) Beshaler
Arnold, NE Friday, May 16, 2025 To the Wagner Family:I was shocked and saddened to hear of John’s death. He was a classmate and friend of mine throughout school. We didn’t get together as often as I would have liked after graduation, but getting reacquainted at our 50th class reunion with so many stories and laughter is something that will remain with me for a long, long time. Thank you for your friendship, John, and may the Lord raise you up on eagle’s wings to live with Him in eternity. I send my love to you and all the Wagner family as you grieve the loss of someone so special in the lives of so many!
Carol Grasz
Fremont, NE Friday, May 16, 2025 To The Wagner Family,We are deeply saddened for your loss of John. We extend our deepest sympathies to All. Our thoughts & Prayers to you.
With Love, The Gustafson Family
Eileen, Lori, Neil, Carol & Hollis
Holly & Jesse, Andy & Jess, Joel & Ellie
Dale Watts
Fremont, NE Thursday, May 15, 2025 Another good guy gone .Greg Wietfeld & Barbara Carr
Fremont, NE Thursday, May 15, 2025 We just wanted to express how very sorry we are to hear about John’s passing. John was a great guy, and will truly be missed.Sending prayers of comfort to the family.RIP John.
Greg Wietfeld & Barbara Carr
Darcy Neesen
Stafford, VA Wednesday, May 14, 2025 We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers with heartfelt sympathy.Darcy (Wobken) & Dave Neesen
Emily Kaven
Bondurant, IA Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Marc,So sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry.
Emily
Mary Becklun
Papillion, NE Monday, May 12, 2025 Marc,I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He sounds like such a wonderful man! Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
-Mary
Hope
Grenta, NE Sunday, May 11, 2025 Hi Renee Baker WangerI truly sorry to hear about your husband John Wanger. He was a very nice and wonderful person. He did alot of hard Work for the Heller farm in farming. You did a wonderful job in supporting in school at Logan view high school as my special education teacher. . The Big world changes Nancy Heller step down as Hope Frey guardian from 2004 to 2024. Renee Brown is my guardian now. She probably came up to Logan view school for up ipp meeting before ending high school. I hear you know Renee Brown . Hope Frey