Kenneth R. Wagner

Kenneth R. Wagner passed away on March 7, 2018 at the age of 92. He leaves behind a very large family who will miss his love, humor, and dedication to them. Funeral services for Kenneth Wagner will be held at 11:00 A.M Monday, March 12, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Kanawha with Pastor Mark Heath officiating.  Burial will be held in the Corwith Cemetery at 1:30 PM with graveside military rights provided by the Corwith American Legion.   Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.  Kenny was the youngest of eight children born to Clara and Harry Wagner on August 24, 1925 in Knoxville, Iowa. Six months after Kenny’s birth, his mother passed away, and his father succumbed to grief; unable to cope, he left his family, leaving his oldest children to raise the youngest. The oldest child, Lillian Chambers, and her husband Earl eventually took Kenny into their home. The upbringing planted the seeds in Kenny of the importance of family and farming. Kenny attended school in Corwith, Iowa, graduating in 1943. Kenny helped Earl on the farm until entering the army in 1945. Kenny served his country during the Japanese occupation, returning home in October of 1946. Kenny married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Dolores Thompson, in November of 1946. Dolores and Kenny were blessed with five children: Vicki (Andy) Moore, Dave (Vicki) Wagner, Dan (Vicki) Wagner, Tim (Shawna) Wagner, and Moni (Terry) Stewart. Kenny was a member of the American Legion and a life-long member of the United Methodist Church in Corwith and in Kanawha, Iowa. In addition to family, church, and school activities, Dolores and Kenny enjoyed dancing up a storm with friends at the Surf Ballroom among many other venues. Kenny and Dolores farmed for over 50 years, retiring in 1996. They sold their farm and purchased a home in Kanawha, Iowa, where they have enjoyed many years entertaining friends and family. The Wagner clan gathered last August to celebrate their parents’ 71^st wedding anniversary and Kenny’s 92^nd birthday. Kenny is survived by his wife, Dolores, four children and spouses, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Rita. Kenny was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Vicki and six of his seven siblings, Lillian, Arthur, Vera, Melva, Vonis, and Eddie. Kenny was a treasure, a devoted husband, a wonderful father and grandfather, a great friend and just a damn good human being.