Leola Wagner,
95, passed away December 30, 2012 at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Fall, S.D. after contracting pneumonia.
Leola was born September 19, 1917, at Verdi, MN. After graduating from Normal Training School and teaching in rural schools in Minnesota, she moved to Oelwein where she taught for many years in the Port Wing Elementary School, educating generations of third-graders. She completed a bachelor’s degree at Cedar Falls and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma professional association. Following her retirement she continued to live for several years in Independence.
In 1998 she moved to Grand Marais, where she was the first resident at Hillhaven, and she continued living there until moving to Sioux Falls in September 2012.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. The family extends special thanks to Becky Stoner and the staff at Hillhaven, Cindy Giles and other medical professionals for their kindness, patience and care of Leola during her 14 years in the community.
Funeral services were held in Lake Benton, MN at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 4, with interment following in the family plot at Memorial Hill Cemetery, Lake Benton.
She was a life-long learner, and when her failing vision prevented her from reading, the public television programs became a lifeline for her. Memorials suggested to WDSE-TV, Duluth or PBS station of donor’s choice. Condolence messages may be sent care of her niece Beth Blank, P.O. Box 219, Lutsen MN 55612.
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