Obituary of Ethel M. Wagner

Ethel M. Wagner, 84, of Iowa City, died Friday, July 9, 2010 at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City surrounded by her family. A memorial service celebrating Ethel’s life will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Iowa City with the Very Reverend Rudolph Juarez officiating. A time of visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ethel’s name. Online condolences may be sent to her family through the web @www.gayandciha.com. Ethel Marie (Oeltjenbruns) Wagner was born October 5, 1925, the daughter of Henry and Clara (Oholff) Oeltjenbruns. In August of 1945, Ethel married Joseph L. Wagner in Osage, Iowa. While raising their family, Ethel worked many years at the Carousel Restaurant. After the restaurant had closed she spent several years helping others as a caregiver. Ethel enjoyed spending her time with family. Her children and grandchildren were held very close in her heart. She also enjoyed her time with family and friends’ playing cards, the regular trips to the casino and spending time on her porch enjoying her flowers. Ethel was also very fond of the old time music, especially polka. Ethel’s family was especially important to her, and her children all know how blessed they are, knowing their mother was the “Best mom in the whole world.” Her family includes her children; Shirley Mayfield of Iowa City, Bill Wagner (Muriel) of Iowa City, Nancy (Jose) Mendoza of Iowa City, Mick Wagner of Abilene, KS, Mary Ann Davis (Doug) of Riverside, Richard Wagner (Janet) of Casselberry, FL, Joann Klein (Michael) of Waterville, IA, Sharon Gilkerson (Scott) of Panama City Beach, FL, grandchildren; Kim Evans (Craig), Kelly Ward-Butters (Bill), Terri Lynn Stecklein (Scott), Laura Wagner, Michelle Lord (Bryan), Nathan, Nash Wagner, David Wagner (Christina), Scott Wagner, Joe, Justin and Nicholas Gilkerson, 9 great-grand children, two sisters; Irene Mehman and Betty Beggy, and brother Paul Oeltjenbruns. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Wagner, her parents, sister, Ruth Oeltjenbruns and brothers; Jim, Harold and Meryl Oeltjenbruns. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation service is caring for Ethel’s family and her services.