Thomas J. Wagner

Thomas J. Wagner, 70, of La Salle, passed away peacefully February 16, 2020 in Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday February 28 in the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with Rev. Jeremy Lueck, Pastor of Oglesby Union Church, officiating. Burial will be in Peru City Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7:00 PM Thursday February 27 in the funeral home and additional visitation 10:00 AM Friday until time of services.

Tom was born December 31, 1949 in La Salle to Robert and Mildred (Barber) Wagner. He was a graduate of La Salle-Peru High School, Class of 1967. He attended Illinois Valley Community College before enlisting with the US Marine Corps in 1968. He served at The Rockpile, Dong Ha, Hill 691, in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. He began working for the United State Postal Service in 1979 in which he served as superintendent of postal operations and twice served as officer-in-charge of the Peru office, and then retiring in Streator.

Tom was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and without a doubt the biggest fan Bob Dylan ever had! He would talk about his radio broadcasting days at WDUK-FM in Havana, IL. He cherished his Peru Little League coaching years with Charlie Schmollinger, especially coaching the 1993 12-year old All-Stars to the state championship game. He never forgot his times working and playing alongside his postal friends Jerry Harris and Jack Kovatch, who were always in his heart even after retirement. His canine friends brought unmeasurable happiness and healing to him.

Tom is survived by Patricia Brokaw, with whom he made his home, three children: Shari (Michael) Grimes of Port Richey, FL, Kirk and (Lindy) Wagner of Cameron, TX, Elizabeth (Ryan) Radtke of Peru; two brothers Edward (Mary Ann) Wagner of Montgomery and David Wagner of Peru; seven grandchildren Ashley (Anthony) Spanos, Thomas Finn Wagner, Hadley Wagner, Gibson Wagner, Amelia Scout Wagner, Eleanor and H Rock Radtke; two great grandchildren Carter Baxter and Evelyn Spanos; nieces; nephews; and friends who are really family—Michael and Jean Radtke of Peru.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one nephew Anthony Wagner, and one niece Samantha Gaughan.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue at PO Box 284, Peru, IL 61354.

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