Sophia Wagner was born on March 1, 1925, to Balthasar and Mary (Korkowski) Wagner in Millersville, MN. She received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville, MN. Sophia was preceded in death by her beloved mother in 1930 when Sophia was only five years old (she often reminded us that it was the saddest day of her life) and was raised by her cherished siblings. Sophia completed secondary education at Jefferson High School in Alexandria, MN and served as a homemaker on the Wagner family farm. Upon her brothers leaving for World War II, Sophia and her brother, Phillip, managed the family farm.
Sophia's older brother, Otto, thankfully returned safely from the war and was visited soon thereafter by his best army pal, Alwin Ward, from New York. With blessings from Otto, Al introduced himself to Sophia and it was love at first sight; the beginning of a lifelong love and friendship. Sophia and Al were married on a cold winter's day, December 30, 1946, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN. Al's employment with Pillsbury took them to Iowa, Illinois, and finally to St. Joseph, MO, where they raised their family, built lifelong friendships, and retired.
Sophia and Al's marriage was blessed with four daughters and two sons. Mary Jean (John) Remmert and Jeffrey Ward, born in Springfield, IL; David Ward (deceased) and Nancy (Tom) Wuertz, born in Ft. Dodge, IA; and Susan (Michael) Gallagher and Elizabeth (Ken) Furrow, born in St. Joseph, MO.
Even more blessings were bestowed upon Sophia and Al with 10 grandchildren: Travis (Michelle) Remmert, Christine (Brian) Douglas, Torrey (Todd) Landry; Robert (Courtney) Ward; Matthew (Natasha) Greene, Brian Greene, Derek (Jennifer) Greene, Stuart Greene; Kevin (Susan) Gallagher, and Kathleen (Nathaniel) Duker.
Their grandchildren blessed them with 20 great grandchildren: Jonathan (Gianna) Greene, William Greene, Declan Greene, Harrison Greene; Jameson (Rhiannon) Greene, Kennedy Greene; Colby Greene, Logan Greene; Amelia Douglas, Alex Douglas; Elliott Ward, Everly Ward; Eleanor Duker, Abigail Duker, Wesley Duker, with a little brother in their mother’s womb; Regan Gallagher, Rory Gallagher, and Jack Gallagher.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Parish Rosary 9:30 A.M. Wednesday at the church, where the family will gather with friends at 9:00 A.M.
