Thomas George Wagner, 83

Thomas George Wagner 83, of Lakeland, passed away at home in his sleep on October 7, 2023, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tom was born on October 25, 1939, to George and Gladys (Riley) Wagner in Hartford, WI. After Tom graduated from Hartford Union High School in 1958, he went on to study industrial and vocational education at Stout State College, graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He taught building trades welding at Waukesha County Technical College and for several years certified iron workers for the state of Wisconsin.

In 1993, Tom met Kathy Spranger and they were married on October 8, 1994. In 2000, Tom retired and spent his time enjoying his family, restoring classic cars, volunteering at the food pantry in Jefferson, WI, and woodcarving.

Tom was predeceased by his parents and previous wife Joan (Wilm) Wagner. He is survived by his wife Kathy Wagner, his son Paul Wagner, daughter Jenny (Wagner) Somers, sister Marlene (Wagner) Wendt, stepchildren Peggy Wilm, Mary Ann (Wilm) Bogenberger, Mike Wilm, Linda (Gruenewald) Michels, Randy Gruenewald, Gary Gruenewald, and many grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services will be held at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 820 Marcum Road, Lakeland, Florida on Thursday, October 12. Viewing is held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. with the Mass of the Resurrection to begin at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local food pantry, which Tom felt strongly about.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home.