Robert Gordon Wagner Sr.'s Obituary
Robert Gordon Wagner, Sr., 95, of Howard City, passed away Monday, January 7, 2019, at his residence.
He was born November 8, 1923, in Chicago, and moved to Big Rapids in 1999 to live with his daughter and son-in-law Robin and Bruce Dilg near Hungerford Lake.
During World War II, Bob served In the U.S. Army Air Corp band, and by war's end he was General George Patton's personal bugler. Following his honorable discharge, Bob returned to the Chicago area, and for many years he travelled the country as a trumpeter with Dick Jergen's Big Band. "Papa" never stopped smiling through the chaos of life!
In 1944, he married Marjorie M. Moller, who preceded him in death in 2006. Bob is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Robin and Bruce Dilg of Big Rapids; 4 grandchildren, Brian, Kenneth, Christine, and Kasey; 7 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Robert, Harry, Richard, Jackson, Reagan, and Ava; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his son Robert Gordon Wagner, Jr.
A celebration of Bob's life will be announced for later this year. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Heartland Hospice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
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