John J. Wagner, age 86, of Brookings, died Saturday, January 15, 2011, at the White Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brookings, with interment at Fairview Cemetery at White. Visitations will be from 4-8 P.M. Tuesday at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.

John Jacob Wagner was born December 30, 1924, near White, South Dakota, to John and Tryntje (Kor) Wagner. He was baptized at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Argo Township, and was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in White. He grew up on the farm near White and attended Argo District No. 26 country school. On January 26, 1947, he married M. Lorraine Rossman at White. They farmed northwest of White until 1978 when they moved to Brookings. John continued farming, and also did welding and electrical work. Lorraine died November 14, 1989.

John was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was known for his readiness with a joke or story.

Survivors include a son, Randy Wagner, of Sioux Falls; two grandchildren, Christopher Wagner of Sioux Falls and his fianc, Lacey Haensel, and Cassandra (Jason) Nelson of Harrisburg, SD; a special friend, Mavis Diedrich, of Brookings; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, in 1989; a brother Jerry, who died in childhood; a sister, Katie Billet; and a brother, Jerry Wagner.