Milton Lester Wagner

JEFFERSON, S.D. -- Milton L. Wagner, 88, of Jefferson died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at his residence, reuniting with his wife, Mae, who died earlier this year.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes in Sioux City, with the Rev. Merrill Muller officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
Milton was born Oct. 25, 1922, in Sioux City, the son of Lester and Bertha (Jensen) Wagner. He attended Sioux City Public Schools. Milton joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II.
He married Mae Lilly on Aug. 16, 1944, in Elk Point, S.D. They made their home in Westfield, Iowa, until moving onto the farm near Jefferson in 1949. Milton was a farmer. He also worked for Tower Construction for more than 20 years. Mae died on March 1, 2011.
Milton enjoyed picnicking and fishing trips with the family, playing cards and cribbage.
Survivors include a daughter, Nancy Brown of Jefferson; two sons, Douglas and Lois Wagner of Jefferson, and Donald and Patsy Wagner of Gallatin Gateway, Mont.; a daughter, Hope Finken of Sioux City; 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Chapman of Portland, Ore; and friend, Paula Wagner of Salix, IA.; and special friends, Roger Daily of Jefferson and Merlin Karpen of Jefferson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-laws, Glen Finken and James Brown; and a sister, Doris Palermo.