Ralph M. Wagner

Ralph Wagner, age 85 of Hastings, died peacefully at home on Saturday morning, December 7, 2019. Ralph Mathias, the son of Al and Susan (Siebenaler) Wagner, was born on April 18, 1934, on the family farm in Vermillion, and graduated from Hastings High School with the class of 1952. On September 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Slater in St. Paul, and they were blessed with four children: Dan, David, Randy, and Michelle. Ralph was a sixty-year member of the Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455 Union. Following the death of their beloved daughter Michelle, Ralph and Dorothy founded the Bereaved Parents program in Hastings. Ralph was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1600 in Hastings as well as the 1600 Building Corporation. While involved, Ralph was a 3rd Degree member and also served as the Grand Knight from 1968 to 1969. He also served on the Board of Directors for the 1600 Building Corporation and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery Association. Ralph enjoyed fishing and spending time at the family cabin in Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 59 years, Dorothy and beloved daughter, Michelle; and by his siblings, Al Wagner and Lee Wagner. Ralph is survived by his sons, Dan (Cathy) Wagner, David (Charlie) Wagner, and Randy Wagner; grandchildren, Kelly (Santiago) Escobar, Coco Wagner, Ava Wagner, Bryan (Keeli) Wagner, and Trevor (Brianna) Wagner; great grandchildren, Owen and a baby girl due in April; siblings, Betty Reuter, Paul (Donna) Wagner, and Earl (Mary) Wagner; sister-in-law, Mary Wagner; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and also at church from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Smile Network or to the donor's choice in memory of Ralph.