Submitted by: Dan Rich

Carl A. Wagner

Jan. 24, 1922 - Sept. 14, 2008

South Bend Tribune 9/20/2008
SOUTH BEND - Carl A. Wagner, 86, of Cape Coral, FL, was called home on Sunday, September 14, 2008. Carl was born in South Bend, IN on January 24, 1922, the only child of the late Charles A. and Rusha L. (Wells) Wagner. A graduate of South Bend Central High School in 1940, he went to work for Studebaker. His work there was interrupted when he was called to service in W.W.II. During the war, he flew 47 missions in the South Pacific as an officer, in the Army Air Corps. Upon his return he resumed work at Studebaker and remained there until it closed in 1946. He then went to work for Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, MI.) in 1964 until his retirement in 1984. At that time he moved to Cape Coral, Fl. Carl and work were not strangers. While still in school he had a paper route, worked at the Colfax Theatre, Coca Cola, Drewery's and on his uncle's farm during summer vacations. When the war ended and while working full-time at Studebaker's, he and his father-in-law, the late John W. Black, built a home for his family without even the assistance of a power saw. His daughter now occupies that home. The two of them built three more houses. They were weekend carpenters.

Wherever he lived, he was actively involved in church work. He was an Elder and member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, Fl where he served on many boards and committees. He was also a 32nd degree Mason. He was a man who lived his life honestly, with utmost integrity and was always true to his beliefs. He always put the needs of his family and fellow men before his own, in an age where that quality is hard to find. He will be dearly missed and always loved by those he leaves behind. On June 29, 1944 in South Bend, he married A. Maxine Black, who survives. He also leaves behind a daughter, Karolyn (aka Lynn) Kucela of Mishawaka, IN; a son William C. Wagner (Michaelene), Canton, MI; a granddaughter Kathryn Wagner, Mount Pleasant, MI; a step-granddaughter Jennifer Cuedek, Canton MI; two grandsons Scott A. Kucela (Cheri), South Bend, and Todd R. Kucela (Michele), Mishawaka; and five great-grandchildren; Cameron & Emma Kucela, South Bend, IN and Jonathan, Anneliese and Gabrielle Kucela, Mishawaka, IN.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Bubb Funeral Chapel 3910 N. Main St. Mishawaka, IN from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Services to honor and celebrate his life will take place at Zion U.C.C South Bend on Monday at 11 a.m., with Rev. David P. Gerth officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian, Cape Coral, FL, at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Ft. Myers, FL. 33908; Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904; or Zion U.C.C., 715 E. Wayne St., South Bend, IN. 46617.