WAGNER, Walter J.

Walter J. Wagner, 80, of Glendale, AZ passed away on April 8, 2004 after a battle with cancer. He was born on June 6, 1923 and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Ellsworth, MN. Walter served in the United States Marine Corps during WW II and was awarded the Purple Heart after being injured in the Saipan Battle. In 1946 he married Frances Lenz in Ellsworth, MN. Walter is survived by his Spouse Frances; sons Mike (Pam) Wagner of Phoenix; Gary (Kathleen) Wagner of Encinitas, CA; daughter Jane (Tom) Cook of Chandler; 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild; brother Alfred Wagner of Glendale; 2 sisters Lorraine Van Anne of Fresno, CA and Melva Doherty of Ellsworth, MN and 6 nieces and nephews here in the valley. In 1960 the family moved to Glendale where he retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1985. He was a member of the American Legion and St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Walter's favorite pastimes were gardening, playing bridge and enjoying good times with his family and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. Memorial services were held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church 5525 W. Acoma Dr., Glendale, AZ on Wednesday, April 14, 2004. In Lieu of flowers Remembrances in Walter's name may be given to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or St. Vincent DePaul Society c/o St. Raphael's Catholic Church 5525 W. Acoma Dr., Glendale, AZ 85306. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/12/2004.