John was born to Clinton ''Bus'' and Darlene (Hansen) Wagner on January 16th, 1955, at the Dodge County Community Hospital. John was proud to have lived his entire life on or next to his family home. John attended school at Hooper Elementary, Broadview District 89, and Jr., Sr. High School at Logan View, where he graduated in 1973. During his high school years, John worked for Elwood Wobken, whom he deemed as the smartest man on earth, always making sure to point out, ''This is an Elwood song playing,'' when 70's music was on.
Immediately following graduation, John started farming. He farmed for 27 years, but sat on the Smiley farming advisory board, offering advice and guidance for his brother Eric, sons Matt and Marcus, and anyone else he felt would benefit. In 1977, he married Lark Brandt. They welcomed two sons, Marcus John and Matt Thomas. They later divorced. In 2004, John was united in marriage to Renee (Wallin) Baker and added 3 stepsons to the family.
In addition to farming, John worked for Marsh Farm Supply, Hoegemeyer Hybrids, and Wismont Trucking. In 2009, John and his sons proudly purchased a lively little bar in Winslow, NE, and operated it until the flood of 2019. ''Smiley's'' was his home away from home. John loved advising from one side of the bar (guess which one)!
John loved his family, Farmall, IH Tractors, Nebraska Football, and the Cleveland Indians. He hated camping but did it grudgingly because Renee loved it.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton ''Bus'' and Darlene, grandparents, and his dear sister and brother-in-law, Rita (Jim) Christianson.
John leaves behind his wife Renee, sons Marcus (Sara) Wagner of Blair, Matt (Anna) Wagner, of Hooper, stepsons, Dustin Baker, of Wayne, Andrew Baker of Fort Collins, Co., and Joel (Leslie) Baker of Norfolk. Grandchildren, Noah Kuefler, Corbin Wagner, Jase Baker, Liza Baker, Summer Wagner and Bowen Wagner. Brothers, Tom (Diane) Wagner, Eric (Julie Wolfgram) Wagner, of Hooper and Sister Teresa (Mike) Brohimer of Lincoln, along with many nieces, nephews and a large circle of friends. He was also lucky enough to have 4 of the best dogs ever. Spike for 17 years, Buddy for 10 years, Harley for 5 years and Karley, his ''baby girl'' who misses him terribly.
The family is requesting that anyone who has ''Smiley's'' gear, please wear it to the visitation at Ludvigsen's Hooper Funeral Chapel Thursday, May 15, from 5-7pm and funeral services on Friday, 2pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church also in Hooper.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
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