Richard E. Wagner, 96, of Belleville, IL, born January 5, 1928, in Belleville, IL, died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Dick retired from civil service from Scott Air Force Base, and later from Beno J. Gundlach Co. He was a World War II United States Army veteran who served in the Philippines and Guam. Dick was also a charter member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. He served on many church committees and was an usher for 63 years, retiring at the age of 90.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence D. and Louise H., nee Mertzweiller, Wagner; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Edna, nee Grandcolas, Volkmann, a sister-in-law, Ann Wagner; a nephew, Keith Wagner; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Robert and Jackie Volkmann.
Surviving are his loving wife of 74 years, Vernell “Nell”, nee Volkmann, Wagner, whom he married June 10, 1950, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Belleville, IL; two daughters, Kathy Biermann and Nancy (Vint) Taylor; four grandchildren, Terica (Andrew, DDS) English, Nichole (Joey) Chandler, Kyle (Sarah) Biermann and Victoria (Justin) Nollau; nine great-grandchildren, Bennett (Delaney) English, Jadeyn, Cortland, Maddox, Paxton, and Emersyn English, Tyler and Tanner Chandler, and Korra Nollau; a brother, Robert Wagner; and two nieces and three nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Dick had a special saying. Whenever anyone left, he said, “Take ‘er easy.” So now, good buddy, we say goodbye to you, and “Take ‘er easy.”
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2024, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2024, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Burial of cremated remains with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
