William "Bill" Wagner

May 14, 1953 - September 30, 2022

William “Bill” Wagner, age 69, of Decorah, IA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 30, 2022.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m on Monday, October 10, 2022, at St. Benedict Catholic Church 307 West Main Street, Decorah, IA with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 9, 2022, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 10:00 a.m., at the church on Monday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to his family.  Bill's family will make a donation in memory of Bill to his favorite charities.  

Bill was born on May 14, 1953, to Raymond John Wagner and Florence Josephine (Bautch) Wagner in Dubuque, Iowa. He was the proud big brother of his sister, Mary. Bill graduated from St. Joseph High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and went on to study business at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. 

After graduating from Loras College in 1975, he started a long career in business. After reconnecting at a Loras College homecoming, he started dating the love of his life, Mary (Freund) Wagner, whom he married on July 27, 1984. Bill moved to Decorah, Iowa, to open the Yellow Freight Terminal, and quickly felt at home in the town and community. They went on to have 2 beautiful girls, Rebecca and Emily, who made him very proud.

Bill was currently working for Hawkeye Stages. He enjoyed driving, seeing new places, and meeting new people. He loved music, Loras College, the Green Bay Packers, and living life in Decorah. He was a wonderful son, husband, father and grandfather. He was the best big brother to his sister, Mary, and was like a brother to his high school buddies, Loras buddies, and many friends he made throughout his lifetime. He understood the importance of hard work, good friendships, and was the life of the party. He enjoyed caring for others, telling jokes and stories, and making people smile, laugh and feel loved. He fiercely loved his family and friends, and being a grandpa (“Boppa Bill”). He was a friend to all, and will be deeply missed.

Bill is survived by his wife: Mary Wagner of Decorah. His two daughters: Rebecca (Ryan) Domeyer of Waukee, IA, and Emily Courtney of Decorah. Two granddaughters: Reagan and Evan Domeyer of Waukee, IA. One sister: Mary Kehoe, Lady Lake, FL. Three sisters-in-law: Margie Conlon, Dubuque, IA; Teresa (Larry) Freund, Milwaukee, WI; Cathy (Bret) Triervieler, Dubuque, IA. Two brothers-in-law: John (Ellie) Freund, Dubuque, IA; Tom (RaeAnn) Freund, Waukee, IA. Several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond and Florence (Bautch) Wagner. His father and mother-in-law: George and Lillian (McDonnell) Freund. His two brothers-in-law: George Freund Jr. and James Edward Freund.