Mary A. (Tate) Wagner

On March 11, 2025, Mary (Tate) Wagner, 88, passed away surrounded by the blessing and presence of family members. Incredibly fitting, as Mary was always surrounded by people who cared deeply for her. If you met her, you never forgot her. You do not forget authenticity.

Mary moved to Hampton with her parents, John and Julia Tate, from the Iron Range at the tender age of 12 years old. She spent a lifetime contributing to and living in that community until her passing. She loved Hampton and fostered countless relationships over the years. It was here that Mary and Al, her loving husband of 58 years, raised their family. Mary’s greatest sense of joy came from being the matriarch of a beautiful, large family of five children, fifteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. Mom, Gram, Booma, GG, Moola. Mary answered to many names, but no matter what you called her, she loved it.

For the past 25 years, Mary enjoyed spending winters at her seasonal place in Mesa, AZ. A staple in the Mission Square community, Mary was known by all. During that time, Mary developed deep friendships with her neighbors. As time went on, these relationships and the sun’s warmth were two of Mary’s truly special joys.

While in AZ, both Mary and Al were blessed with caregivers that must have been sent from heaven, Wendy Salinas and Pedro Pimentel. No words are adequate for the level of appreciation and respect Mary’s family has for them.

Mary enjoyed an extraordinarily successful career as a concessionaire providing food and refreshments to hundreds of fairs, carnivals, and special events. Her reputation within these confines was nothing short of legendary. Her decades of dedicated service and involvement culminated in her being elected as President of The Midwest Showmen’s Association in 2005 – a true testament to her incredible legacy as a pioneering businesswoman.

Simply put, Mary’s superpower was her ability to create relationships. This served her exceptionally well in both her personal and professional life. Quick to make friends, she was a master class in making people feel special. Mary will now be reunited with her husband, Al, to continue the most important relationship of all.

Mary is survived by her children Terri, Steve (Cathy), Mike (Jill), Liz (Jim), and Kelly (Dave), as well as sister Peg (Bud), brother Tom (Cheri), brother-in-law Earl (Mary), and the dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Al Wagner, parents John and Julia Tate, brother John Tate Jr., and sister Jane Lucking.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, April 10. Please join us at 11AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, Father Mike Tix will be presiding. Lunch will be served following Mass at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Midwest Showmen’s Association.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.