Fred Wagner

Fred L. Wagner, 81, of Rochester, MN died on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Fred LeRoy Wagner was born on July 4, 1933, to Fred S. and Marion (Badman) Wagner in Eau Claire, WI. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1951. On August 14, 1954, he married Marlys Sherman. Fred received a bachelors of arts degree at St. Olaf College in 1955 and then attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire receiving a degree in teaching. Fred taught Latin in Black River Falls, WI for 11 years. He left teaching to pursue a career in labor relation and personnel in Dubuque, IA. In 1978, Fred became the Director of labor relations and personal in Rochester. He was a member and past president of the Minnesota Public Employee Labor Relations Association, and served as a member of the National Board. Fred was a Rotarian for many years, and the United Way Board. He was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester and served as president for two years. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Marlys of Rochester; three daughters, Cynthia Nichols, Ann (David) Petersen, both of Rochester and Karoline (Gregg) Gittus of Salt lake City, UT; six grandchildren, Jeremie (Kristi) Nichols, Derek and Zachary Petersen, Grant and Evan Gittus and Lindsay (Nick) Doland; four great-granddaughters; special family friends, Dan Nichols and Sue Balsamo; sister, Linda Brophy of Florida; brother-in-law, Dale (Ardy) Sherman of Black River Falls, WI. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marion Wagner; granddaughter, Dagmar Petersen; brother-in-law, Paul Brophy; sister-in-law, Lois (Gene) DeRusha; and niece, Mary DeRusha. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester. The visitation will be from 5:00 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and for one hour prior to the service at the church. The burial will be at a later date in Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Bear Creek Services, Lupus Foundation or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left at www.ranfranzandvinefh.com