Lawrence “Larry” W. Wagner, age 88, of Hastings, MN passed peacefully at home on Sunday, May 28, 2023 after a brief illness.
Larry was born on October 27, 1934 to William and Louise (Keller) Wagner in Hastings, where he was raised and where he graduated high school in 1952. After graduation, he studied pre-law at St. John’s University before enlisting in the Navy. Larry completed the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in Pensacola, Florida and proudly served in the Navy for four years before being honorably discharged.
On May 12, 1956, Larry married Lois Patricia “Pat” Karnick in Pensacola, and together they raised their four children in Hastings. Larry was a dedicated husband, helping Pat buy and sell antiques, and later remained a dedicated caregiver, always wearing red shirts to make her smile.
Larry worked as an Office Manager at 3M for over 30 years until his retirement at age 58. Once retired, he enjoyed bowling and golfing with friends and singing in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton funeral choir. Larry and Pat built their home on the St. Croix over 50 years ago, and he loved feeding the birds and watching wildlife such as deer, foxes, and eagles from his porch. He greatly enjoyed sharing stories of adventures he had with his brothers and sisters while growing up on the nearby family farm.
Most of all, Larry loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing cards with his family on every weekend and holiday, and equally enjoyed commenting whenever he was dealt a bad hand. He passed on to his kids and grandkids his knowledge about refinishing furniture and taking care of a home. He never missed a family sporting event, concert, or play. Larry was a tender-hearted caregiver and treasured holding each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as babies. His sense of humor, fairness, kindness, and generosity will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pat; siblings, Lu Stoffel, W.D. “Bud” Wagner, and Fran Schneider.
He is survived by children, Cindy Wagner (Spencer Johnson), Sue Wagner (Steve Gomez), Steve Wagner (Kim Hoelmenn), and Scott Wagner; grandchildren, Ben (Dawnielle) Hanson, Blake (Cathy) Hanson, Kyla (Matt) Doering, Damien Gomez, and Krista Gomez; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Emily, Andrea, Claira, Isaac, Katy, Lachlan, and Rhyden; siblings, Leila Meyer and W.V. “Butch” (Jeannine) Wagner; sister-in-law, Claudia Wagner; and by many beloved relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Abbott Northwestern ICU for their skilled and compassionate care.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th St. West, Hastings, with a visitation prior to Mass. Interment was at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery. A visitation was held from 4-7PM on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings. Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel assisted the family. www.hastingsmnfuneral.com
