Jerry Elmer Wagner, 85, of Sparta, IL; born on August 18, 1941 in Palestine, IL, the son of Alva and Olinda (née, Eggemeyer) Wagner; passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Marion VA Medical Center.
Jerry graduated from Sparta High School in 1959 and joined the United States Navy in 1961. He served in the Navy until 1968 before returning to Sparta where he worked for World Color Press. Jerry married Sara Falkenhain on May 28, 1977 at Zion Lutheran Church in Palestine. He worked for World Color Press for over 20 years before moving to North Carolina, which is where he began his new job at Axis Printing. Jerry worked there for six years before retiring.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years – Sara Ann (née, Falkenhain) Wagner of Sparta, IL; five children – Bruce (wife, Vickie) Wagner of VA, James “Shawn” Wagner of Tilden, IL, Joseph “Shane” (wife, Sandy) Wagner of Tilden, IL, Michael Eric (wife, Barb) Wagner of Waterloo, IL, and Laura Thompson of IN; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; brother – Roland Wagner of Chester, IL; sister-in-law – Margaret Wagner of OH.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother – Orval Wagner; Sister – Linda Sue Wagner; sister-in-law – Betty Wagner.
Private Interment will be held at a later date at Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta.
Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.
To the Jerry Wagner Family,
May our prayers and the comfort of Jesus be with each and everyone of you.
I have known Jerry for many years and let me just say that; “Jerry Wagner was a man of honor!”
“May God continue to shine His perpetual light on Jerry Wagner and the entire Wagner Family.” … Amen!
Thank you Mike for your kind words