Norman Carl Wagner

Union Grove - Norman Carl Wagner, 87, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove, WI.

Norman was born August 19, 1921, in Racine, Wisconsin, to the late Carl and Evelyn (nee: Jenkins) Wagner. Norman graduated from Park High School in 1940, where he had met his first wife Elizabeth “Betty” Lochowitz, whom he married in 1942 and later had a son, David Alan, in 1947.

Norman proudly served his country with the United States Army National Guard in the Third Army during World War II in the European Theater. He served General Patton and supported campaigns in France at Normandy, as well as in Germany at The Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes) and Rhineland. For his service Norman received the Bronze Star. Following WWII, Norman enlisted with the United States Air Corps/Air Force where he served in medical administration until he retired in 1963, with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During his years of service, Mr. Wagner was stationed in San Antonio, TX; Victorville, CA; Romulus, NY; Okinawa, Japan and Guam.

Norman and his second wife, Doris (nee: Hannum) Wagner, married in 1952 at Seneca, NY. Norman and Doris enjoyed their retirement living in Tucson, AZ, and spending many long hours together traveling by motor home throughout the southern and western Pacific states with friends and family. Norman always enjoyed his traveling experiences throughout the States and abroad, often collecting unique souvenirs that would allow him to reflect on his journeys.

Norman was a private, well-liked man who loved to create poems and sing. He would often recall his favorite poem created for him and recited by his mother as a child:

“Hold up your head my little man, Throw back your shoulders if you can, Give your lungs full room to play and Walk as though you know the way.”

In his late 70s, Norman discovered and mastered using the Internet. He enjoyed his computer and kept in touch with loved ones by email even in his final days. Norman had returned to his native Racine in March 2007 to be closer to and in the care of his sister and his extended family.

Norman is survived by his sister, Ada (nee:Wagner) Sattler of Racine; his son, David (Winifred) of Racine; and his step-children, Judy (Bill) Crow, Lee (Erica) Arters, and Gerald (Debby) Arters all of Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren and good friends. Norman is proceed in death by his former wife, Betty, and his second wife Doris, who died of cancer in 1997.

A memorial service for Norman will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave., on Friday, February 13, 2009, at 4 p.m. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday from 2 p.m. until time of service. Inurnment will be held at a later date with Full Military Honors. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Atonement Lutheran Church.

Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262-634-3361