Dorothy Jean Wagner's Obituary
‘Smile and Go Forward’
Dorothy Wagner, age 95, passed into peace on April 24, 2023, after a lingering illness. She passed at her daughter’s home surrounded by her books and photos of loved ones and attended by her daughter.
Dorothy was born in Bowdle, South Dakota, the youngest of four children, to Bert and Alice Fuller. Dorothy spent much of her younger years living in Montevideo, Minnesota where she was fortunate to also be near her extended family. Her father was transferred to Aberdeen, South Dakota during her high school years, where he was the station master for the Milwaukee Railroad. Dorothy graduated from Aberdeen High School and chose to attend the Minneapolis School of Business. After Dorothy graduated in 1948, she married her husband John (Jack) Wagner in August of that year. Dorothy and Jack had six children, five sons and one daughter. For many years Dorothy’s role was as mom, homemaker, and cub scout den mother! An avid reader and card player, her children have memories of regularly being taken to the library and having mom read books to them in the early evening or playing a rousing game of Rummy. Dorothy believed that raising her children was the priority in her life; she was an excellent and loving parent who believed in manners, education, and enjoying both the simple and larger joys of life. ‘Be confident, gracious and kind; Put a smile on your face and go forward.’
Dorothy and her husband John (Jack) Wagner relocated to Fort Myers in 1979. Dorothy often commented that they should have relocated Much sooner. After relocating, Dorothy worked for Saxon Properties in Fort Myers as an office manager. She thoroughly enjoyed her job and working for Mr. David Hall. She and her husband often traveled to see children and grandchildren or longtime friends or going on junkets to the Bahamas and Las Vegas.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John (Jack) Wagner in 2012. Her son, Clifford Wagner in 2010, her son-in-law, Gregory Specht in 2015, and her son, Jack Wagner in 2021. She is survived by her children Michael Wagner, Steven Wagner, Deborah Specht and Douglas (Chrystal) Wagner. Grandchildren: Caleb Wagner, Joseph Pritchard, Eric Wagner, Zephen (Amanda) Specht, Keri (Julio) Mendoza, Christopher (Hannah) Wagner, Matthew (Kelly) Wagner, Kevin Wagner, Campbell Wagner, and Tyler Wagner. Great grandchildren: Patricia Wagner, Matthew Wagner, Devon and Ashley Pritchard.
Dorothy spent her later years enjoying her friendships made through her social club, Moving On which she had joined during grief counseling after the death of her son Cliff and husband Jack. Dorothy leaves a legacy of love and caring.
The family would like to thank the wonderful and skilled CNAs and nurses that cared for mom both in the hospital and through Hospice care. Special thanks to Kay Mills and Diane (Dee) Doucette who assisted mom the last 2 years of her life. Dee was also a good friend who provided all the Rummy card games and book /movie discussions mom could ask for!
Your good thoughts and prayers are welcome.
To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time please visit Dorothy's memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign her guestbook.
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