Walter Edwin Wagner

Thursday, December 28, 2017 5:44 pm

Walter Edwin Wagner, 63, of Ossian, died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at his home in Ossian. There are no services planned at this time. Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, is helping the family with arrangements.

Walter Edwin was born Oct. 28, 1954, to Edwin and Genevieve (Crabtree) Wagner in Decorah. He attended and graduated from Decorah Schools. After graduation, Walter joined the police academy.

Walter was united in marriage with Melodie Hall at the Little Brown Church in Nashua; one daughter was born to this union. They divorced in 1989. Walter was united in marriage with Karen Olszewski Oct. 3, 1993, at the Ossian Community Center. He was a police officer in Ossian for 20 years, retiring in 2000 due to health issues. Walter was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed target shooting, hiking and exploring the area and reading; and he was an amazing cook and baker. He was a mentor for many and was firm but always fair. His greatest joy was his grandchildren.

Walter is survived by his wife, Karen of Ossian; daughter, Heather (Erik) Bettmeng of West Union; two grandchildren, Marcus and Paige Bettmeng; nieces, Jenny and Cindi; two nephews, Jamie and Joe; and his sisters, Fran Anderson and Jeneane Cibula.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Genevieve Wagner; and one brother, Carmen Wagner in 2011.