John Arthur Wagner, 70, of South Haven, passed away Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after losing his battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 14, 1948, to Adolph and Elizabeth (Sawyer) Wagner in South Haven.
John graduated from South Haven High School with the Class of 1967. After the passing of his father Adolph in 1971, John “took over” Wagner’s Plumbing and Heating in South Haven, which was founded in 1963. John worked with his brother Michael serving the South Haven Community until his passing.
He married Lesley Lynn Stephens on Aug. 3, 1968, at the Methodist Church in Bangor. They shared 43 years of marriage before her passing 2011.
John is survived by his children, Todd (Holly) Wagner of Allegan and Kim (Frank) Aldana of South Haven; grandchildren, Maddison, Carter, Carson Wagner, and Talon and London Pirsein; step-grandchildren, Lissy, Tori, Lexy and Zia Aldana; siblings, Mike (Joyce) and Richard (Alyson) Wagner, both of South Haven; niece and nephew, Tiffany and Roger Wagner; and significant other and best friend Julie Wood. He also leaves behind many dear family members and close friends.
John was a Licensed Master Plumber. He was also licensed as an ASSE International Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, Certified Training Institutes General Contractor, Mechanical Contractor and a Boiler Contractor.
He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and had been a member of the Rotary Club and a past president of the South Haven and Bangor Men’s Bowling League/Men’s Industrial League. He also belonged to the Pipe Fitters Union.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Memorial services will be on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in South Haven with Pastor Ron VanLente officiating. John will be laid to rest at the Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.
A benefit dinner will be Saturday, Sept. 22, at the South Haven Moose Lodge to help with John’s lost wages, business, and medical expenses.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FIlbrandtFFH.com.
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