Otto Junior Wagner, 88, Hartley

A funeral service for Otto Junior Wagner was held Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Hartley Funeral Home in Hartley. Dr. Lynn Dau officiated.

Pallbearers were Clayton Pyle, Steve Lux, Kelly Lux, Roger Vander Veen, Scott Van Houten and Craig Van Houten. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Otto Junior Wagner, the son of Otto and Lillie (Meiske) Wagner, was born Nov. 10, 1935. His only sibling was Dean Wagner. Junior attended school in Hartley and graduated from Hartley High School in 1955. After graduating, Junior obtained employment with the railroad. He remained with the railroad until his retirement.

Junior enlisted in the Army National Guard of Iowa on April 1, 1958. He was deployed to Fort Lewis, Wash. and later received an honorable discharge from active duty on March 31, 1961.

Junior married the love of his life, Joyce Lux, on Feb. 6, 1965 in Hartley.

Upon his retirement from the railroad, Junior farmed for many years. After both Joyce and he were retired, they went to Arizona for numerous years to spend the winter months.

Junior enjoyed repairing and restoring bicycles. He also enjoyed gardening. He loved his cherry tomatoes. He also loved going to Subway for a sandwich.

Junior was a lifelong member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley.

Junior passed from this life on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at the age of 88 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dean; his father-in-law, William Lux; and his mother-in-law, Edna Lux.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Joyce Wagner; sisters-in-law: Joyce Wagner, of Spencer; and Janet (Dan) Shinkle, of Milford; several nieces and nephews; and special neighbors and friends, Clayton and Nancy Pyle.