It is with profound sadness that the family of Charles Benedict Wagner announces his peaceful passing on Jan. 8, 2022 at the age of 83 years old.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Wanda Wagner, of 36 years; and his children, Glen (Donna) Wagner, Cheryl (Jason) Presswood, Krystal (Kevin) Marlow, Kathy (Chris) Payton, Paula (Mark) Williamson, Richard Williamson, and Scott Williamson.
Charles loved all his grandchildren dearly and they will miss him deeply. Grandchildren are Kristi (Troy) Morrison, Shari (James) Seaward, Jessica "Niki" (Dustin) Wagner, Kori (Blake) Wagner, Ashton Wagner, Aspen Wagner, Ashli Presswood, Ethan Marlow, Adrian Marlow, Kurtis (Amanda) Payton, Callie (Peter) Payton, Ryan (Williamson) Voltaire, Lena (Tyler) Scott, Zachary Miller, Alexis Williamson and Declan Williamson; as well as nine great-grandchildren.
Charles also leaves behind siblings, Walter (Jan) Wagner and Elizabeth Wynn, along with numerous other family members and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Wagner and Helen "Lena" (Gajewski) Wagner; siblings, James Wagner and Dorothy (David "Dave") Suchomski; a brother-in-law, William "Bill" Wynn; and great-grandchildren MaKenna Payton and Keegan Payton.
Charles graduated from Waltonville High School with the Class of 1956 and enjoyed participating in alumni events. He retired from Old Ben Coal #21 where he had worked for many, many years as an underground miner and examiner. When the mines closed, Charles took to the highway as a trucker for Celebrity Transportation for many years before he worked for PTI to chauffeur the railroad workers to their destinations over several states.
Over the years, Charles loved to travel with Wanda and his family all over the United States. He loved spending time with family and visiting with his many friends. He never met a stranger anywhere he went. Some of Charles' fondest memories were at the holidays and the Gajewski family reunion where all his family gathered together.
Charles was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus where he participated as a Fourth Degree Honor Guard at funerals. He spent many hours helping with the Special Olympics Fishing Tournament, being the Grand Marshall in the Christmas parade, and one of his favorite Knights of Columbus activities was the Polar Plunge, in which he participated when he was 80 years old.
A memorial service will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Scheller, Illinois. A Knights of Columbus Chalice Service will follow.
