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James Wagner

MARQUETTE, MI – James C. Wagner, 85, of Marquette, died peacefully Tuesday morning, July 13, 2021 at home, with his family by his side and under the care of UP Home Health & Hospice.

Jim was born on October 3, 1935, in Marquette, a son of the late Edwin and Ingrid (Michaelson) Wagner and was a lifelong resident. He was a 1953 graduate of John D. Pierce High School and later attended Northern Michigan University for a time.

Jim formerly owned Wagner Insurance and Real Estate in Marquette, a company which his father founded in the early 1920’s. In his free time he enjoyed sailing and traveling. On three separate occasions he sailed his sailboat from Lake Superior to the Caribbean and back. He also built several homes and apartment buildings in the area. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and Marquette Elks Lodge #405.

Survivors include four children, Debbie (Dan) Dagenais of Marquette, Jim (Keiko) Wagner of Henderson, NV, Mike (Peggy) Wagner of Traverse City, and Tricia (Chris) Manzini of Marquette; 14 grandchildren, Andrea (Jay) Parent, Erika (Keith) LaCosse, Katie (Tanner) Wagner, Dan (Amy) Dagenais, Alec Wagner, Miyana Wagner, Sydney Wagner, Kai Wagner, Libby (Ben) Woodworth, Andrew (Courtney) Wagner, Erik (Megan) Hornbogen, Kate (Mike) Young, and Max Hornbogen; 19 great- grandchildren, Tyler, Harvey, Alex, Isabella, Jack, Olivia, Claire, Rosie, Millie, Finn, Nora, Oliver, Whitney, Daniel, Gibson, Everett, Wesley, Celeste, Everly, and Zeke; one great-great- grandson, Lucca; also several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents were siblings, Theresa (Jim) Northey, Edwin Wagner; a son-in-law, Dan Hornbogen; also his former wife, Lois Meeves.

The Wagner family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, July 26th, at St. Michael Catholic Church, beginning at 11 a.m., until the time of the Funeral Mass, scheduled for 1 p.m., in the church, with Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mr. Wagner’s memory.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Jim’s family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.