John Lee Wagley
John Wagley Obituary
In Loving Memory of
John Lee Wagley
John Wagley was born on June 26, 1948, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Robert “Bob” and Patricia “Pat” Onken Wagley. He grew up in Slayton and graduated from Slayton High School in 1966. On April 8, 1967, John enlisted in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge on August 22,1972, John went to work for his father, Bob at the Slayton Oil Company doing bulk fuel delivery. On December 31, 1985, he and Marlene Pearson Swan were married at the United Methodist Church in Slayton. Following their marriage, they continued making their home in Slayton. In 1991 John and Marlene served as custodians at the Murray Country Human Services building in Slayton. That same year John started driving bus for Ludolph’s Bus Services. Marlene passed away on July 16, 2013. John retired due to health issues in 2020. In 2022 John moved to Lindenwood Assisted Living in Slayton. Due to failing health John moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on April 6, 2023. He passed away there on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the age of 74. He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. He served on the Slayton Fire Department, was a member of the Slayton American Legion Post, the Slayton VFW Clown Patrol and belong to many pool leagues, bowling teams, and dart teams. John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, playing cards, bowling, and watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. John will be remembered for the many pranks and jokes that he was responsible for.
Survivors include two children, Deb Mitchell of Slayton, MN, and Don Swan of Sioux Falls, SD, four grandchildren. Heather, Heath, and Chad Mitchell, and Justin Swan, 11 great-grandchildren, six siblings and their spouses, Gaylene Suedbeck of Meza, AZ, Nancy and Gary Sauder of Slayton, MN, Kim and Roger Carlson of Slayton, MN, Timothy and Denice Wagley of Brighton, CO, Barbara and Scott Kleve of Slayton, MN and David and Karen Wagley of Brandon, SD, and 14 nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marlene, granddaughter, Ashley Swan, great-granddaughter, Ceona Mitchell, infant niece, Tracy Sauder and nephew, Chad Suedbeck.
Funeral Services
St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist is Sharon Lais. The song Leader is Sheila Crowley. The pallbearers are Chad Mitchell, Heath Mitchell, Alexander Kleve, Jason Wynia, Randy Ackerman, and Adam Paige. Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens, Slayton, MN. Military Honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton, MN is entrusted with arrangements to view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Lee Wagley, please visit our floral store.
