Paul M. Wagner

OTTAWA -- Paul M. Wagner, 90, of Ottawa, passed away at 8:56 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010 at St. Columba Church with Rev. David M. Kipfer celebrating. Interment will follow in St. Columba Cemetery with Military Rites by the Ottawa Veterans Group. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 7 at Gladfelter Funeral Home with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Paul was born on August 8, 1919, the 8th child of Martin and Bertha (Richardt) Wagner's nine children. He was a lifelong resident of Ottawa and was a faithful parishioner of St.Columba Catholic Church. Paul proudly served in the Pacific during World War II and later worked for over 25 years at the Libby Owens Ford. He volunteered for over 20 years for the local Easter Seals foundation where he relished playing Santa at Christmas and giving wagon rides to the young patients. Using his carpenter skills Paul worked on many projects and repairs designed to make life easier for the children and workers alike. It was through his work at Easter Seals where Paul developed a lasting and loving relationship with his special friend A.J. Paul enjoyed bowling and was an avid reader and history buff. He loved to travel and photographed his many trips. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by his brother, Robert J. (JoAnn Zell) Wagner of Kansas City and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. Memorials may be directed to LaSalle County Easter Seal or the St. Columba building fund.