Larry Wagner

A Mass of Christian burial for Larry Wagner was held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.

Interment was in the Winner Catholic Cemetery. Mason Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Lawrence (Larry) Joseph Wagner was born on November 19, 1942, on the family farm, to his parents Lawrence and Sedonia (Stritecky) Wagner, and where he joined his older sister Regina. The family eventually grew with the births of his siblings Janet, Joyce, Nancy and Kevin. Larry attended country school through the seventh grade, then attended St. Mary’s School during his eighth grade year. He graduated from Winner High School in 1960. Interestingly, Larry only spoke Czech prior to starting grade school.

After high school, Larry stayed on the farm and worked with his dad. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965, and was honorably discharged in 1967, spending most of his service time in Germany. Larry then returned to the family farm.

Larry met Judy Konvalin in August 1967 and they were married in November 1968. They moved to the family farm after their marriage and had two children, Craig and Darcy.

He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus (3rd and 4th Degrees) and The American Legion. Over the years, Larry was involved in numerous community and church organizations and activities, including the Jaycees, Wilson Township Board, Winner Quarterback Club, and the Contingency Fund Board for the West River Catholic Diocese.

Off the farm, one passion Larry had was playing cards. Whether it be at family gatherings, at the bar on Friday afternoons after the sale, or with their good friends on New Year’s Eve, Larry was always ready to sit at the table and play.

He would talk often of some of his fondest memories, including a Christmas sleigh ride to his grandparents’ home, his Grandpa Wagner waiting for him to return from the military before passing away, a blizzard where he and several schoolmates sheltered at the Novotny’s until the storm subsided, and the countless good times he had with Wayne, Jim, Dave, Gary and the guys. He would also share memories from his time in the military.

Due to Judy’s health issues, Larry and Judy moved to Golden Prairie Manor. While it was so very difficult for Larry to leave the farm, the staff and residents of the Manor made the transition easier for him.

Larry passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2024, in Emmetsburg, IA, at the age of 81, while on a trip with his sisters Janet and Joyce to visit their sister Regina and her family.

Larry is survived by his wife Judy of 55 years; children: Craig and Darcy; siblings: Regina (Doug) Kogel, Janet Kahler, Joyce Heath, and Kevin (Lori) Wagner; grandchildren: John (Dawn) Schwinler, Mercedes Thompson, Jackson Wagner, Celena Wagner, Terry Wagner and Josh Wagner; four great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, along with many friends and neighbors.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Nancy Meister; brothers-in-law Monty Kahler, and Don Heath; father- and mother-inlaw Ernest and Myrtle Konvalin; and aunts, uncles and cousins.