Kenneth R. Wagner

     Kenneth R. Wagner, 88, formerly of Van Wert, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at Brookline Manor, Mifflintown.

     Born July 12, 1936 in Walker Township, Juniata Co., he was a son of the late Stewart and Emma (Arnold) Wagner. He married Laura Brown on Dec. 25, 1959 and was blessed to share almost 46 years of marriage before she passed away on Nov. 22, 2004.

     Surviving are one son, Mark Franklin Wagner and wife, Sandy, of Mifflintown, one daughter, Melissa E. Waite and husband, Tim, of McAlisterville, one sister, Louella Cisney of Spruce Hill, one brother, Roy “Gene” Wagner of McClure, three grandchildren, Brandon L. Wagner and wife, Dr. Marissa Wagner, of Painted Post, NY, Adam M. Waite and wife, Lauren, of Lewistown, and Dr. Sara E. Keefer and husband, Brad, of Littlestown, and seven great-grandchildren, Reagan Walters, Vanessa Keefer, Jaelyn Picketts, Emilia Wagner, Matthew Keefer, Davi Waite, and Lilly Wagner.

     Ken will be met in heaven by his wife, Laura, his granddaughter, Larie Waite, and siblings, Eleanor Wagner, Theodore “Pete” Wagner, Earl J. Wagner, Madalene “Queen” Graybill, Mary “Mac” Ferster, and Kermit “Babe” Wagner.

     He graduated from Juniata Joint High School in 1955.

     Ken proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea, earning the expert rifle award.

     After his military service, Ken drove truck for Sullivan Lines. He helped his brother, Pete, on the farm throughout Pete’s illness, drove truck and was a mechanic for his brother, Earl, for Kaplan Trucking, and retired from Fenner Trucking.

     He was a lifelong member of Centre Lutheran Church where he held various roles in Sunday school and on church council.

     He loved hunting, butchering with the Books, and walking in the woods. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

     There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown.

     Military honors will be accorded by the Juniata Co. Veterans Council at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, McAlisterville. His funeral at the church with Rev. Graham Fowler officiating will immediately follow the military honors. Interment will be in Adams Cemetery. There will be no viewing at the church.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Centre Lutheran Church, 9259 William Penn Highway, Mifflintown, PA 17059.

     Condolences may be left at www.gussfh.com.

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