Donald Joseph Wagner, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on June 16, 2015.

Don was born on Aug. 4, 1927, in Adams, Minnesota, to Jacob and Millie (Blonigan) Wagner. He graduated from St. Augustine (Pacelli) High School and served in the United States Navy. In 1949, he wed Sharon Knox at St. Augustine Church, and they celebrated 65 years of marriage. To this union were born two daughters: Anne and Deborah. He was a faithful employee of the Hormel Foods Corporation for 46 years. He started at the Austin Plant Office, worked at Hormel Purveyors in Hopkins, Minnesota, and returned to the corporate office until his retirement in December of 1990. Don always said, “there was never a day in his life that he didn’t like to go to work.” Throughout his life, his Catholic faith was very important and he always believed in community service. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church where he had served as a lector, greeter, lay distributor, and money counter. He served on numerous boards including the YMCA, where he was treasurer for 15 years. He was also a committed volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 20 years, Spruce Up Austin, Kiwanis, and an American Legion Member for 70 years. He took special pride in donating to the Red Cross Blood Bank. He was an avid runner, tennis player, and enjoyed spending time exercising at the Y.

Don is survived by his wife Sharon of Austin; his two daughters: Anne (Roy) Weber of Rock Valley, Iowa, and Deborah (James, deceased) Burroughs of Princeton, Minnesota; his grandchildren: Nicole (Craig) Doss, R.C. (Rhiannon) Weber, Jim (Jennie) Burroughs, Megan Burroughs (fiancé Jeff King), Elizabeth (Trevor) Rolfes, Paul Burroughs, and Katie (Dan) Johnson; great-grandchildren: Teran, Cael, Kyra, Lincoln, Kennedy, Jackson, Payton, Sawyer, Allie, Marcus and Alexander; sister Marlene (Oliver) Whalen of Rose Creek, Minnesota; sisters-in-law: Mary (Les) Tufte of Albert Lea, and Gayle Poland of Glendora, California; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Millie Wagner; sisters: Gert (Howard) Bellrichard, Winnie (Robert) Gavin, and Collette (Conrad) Neus; and two great-grandchildren.

His story continues in our hearts.

A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with Father James Steffes officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin, with military honors by American Legion Post 91. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.