November 23, 1958 - October 8, 2024
A celebration of life for Arnie will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at Seely-Walsh Post #425 of the American Legion in Whittemore. A private family burial will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Whittemore.
Arnold “Arnie” Edward Wagner was born on Nov. 23, 1958, at St. Ann’s Hospital in Algona; the son of Wayne ‘Teddy’ and Joyce (Rode) Wagner. He grew up in Whittemore attending St. Paul Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed along with attending St. Paul Lutheran School until eighth grade. He continued his education in Algona, graduating from Algona High School in 1977.
Professionally, Arnie had a diverse career. He worked at Kossuth Motors in Algona, drove a milk truck for AMPI and served as a heavy-duty mechanic at Elbert Chevrolet. Arnie also loved spending time on the farm, helping Kent and Robin with various tasks, especially working the ground.
From his early years, Arnie demonstrated a love for the game, playing for the Whittemore Little League as a catcher from kindergarten through eighth grade. His commitment to sports continued into adulthood, as he transitioned from player to mentor, coaching the Whittemore girls’ softball team and umpiring boys’ baseball games. His enthusiasm for the sport was infectious, and he inspired countless young players to pursue their love of baseball. Arnie also enjoyed playing slow pitch softball, participating in leagues in both Whittemore and Algona. His talent and competitive spirit made him a beloved figure on the field. In addition to his career and coaching, Arnie was a passionate sports fan. He was an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Twins and the Iowa State Cyclones. Arnie also enjoyed bowling, attending state bowling for many years; being part of dart and pool leagues and playing euchre with his lunch hour card buddies.
In addition to his sports interests, Arnie had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He loved deer hunting and eagerly looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Canada with Phil and Tom Eischen. He cherished the time spent fishing with his brother, Cory, at Lake Michigan and with his cousin, Kevin Scuffham. He was proud to be a member of the Sons of the Legion. He was a member of the Whittemore Gun Club and Kossuth County Pheasants Forever.
Arnie died Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. He was 65.
He is survived by his father, Teddy Wagner of Algona; siblings, Robin (Kent) Rode of Titonka, Cory (Cathy Bjustrom) of Wyoming, Minn.; nieces and nephews, Heidi (Chad) Lane of Van Meter, Devin (Stephanie) Rode of Adel, Eric (Taylor) Stier of St. Paul, Minn., Vanessa (Sam) Anderson of Arden Hills, Minn., Madison (Jonathan Manzo) of Calimesa, Calif.; great-nieces and great-nephews, Brayden, Emerick, Landry, Dominick, Ellie Sue, Onneli, Derek and Katherine.
Arnie is preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Wagner; paternal grandparents, Arnold and Margaret Wagner; maternal grandparents, Al and Helen Rode.
Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com