Roy Lee Wagner, 80, of Montrose, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at his home in Montrose.
Roy was born on January 5, 1941, in Charleston, IA, the son of Elmer and Mildred (Johnson) Wagner. On February 24, 1962, he was united in marriage to Jerri Nelle in Fort Madison, Iowa. They were later divorced. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2020.
Roy was employed as a welder at Fruehauf for many years until his retirement. He also worked as a commercial fisherman on the Mississippi River. Roy was the definition of an outdoorsman, and enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, and in his younger years, trapping. He also enjoyed hunting for mushrooms and Indian artifacts. He was a man of many talents and could build or fix almost anything. Roy hand-crafted knives, bows and hatchets, and made his own wine. He was best known for his strong work ethic and love for his family.
Roy is survived by his daughter Janet (Eric) Rudd of Washington, Missouri; five grandchildren: Danielle (Jacob) Chesnut, Brady and Matthew Rudd of Washington, Missouri, and Sheldon and Sheena Wagner of Montrose, Iowa; four great-grandchildren: Peyton, William, Jackson and Silas Chesnut of Washington, Missouri; four siblings: Bill (Nancy) Wagner of Denmark, Iowa, Glenn Wagner of Franklin, Iowa, Judy Bressette of Franklin, Iowa, and Blanche (Rich) Reynolds of Franklin, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Roy is preceded in death by his parents, his son Ron Wagner, and great-grandchildren Reagan and Abraham Chesnut.
Roy’s life will be celebrated with a graveside service at 10 am on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, Iowa, with a fish fry at Sheldon Wagner’s shop (2826 Highway 61, Montrose, Iowa) directly following the service.
Memorials may be directed to Montrose Riverfront, Inc.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.
