Dennis D. Wagner

Denny D. Wagner, age 81, of rural Rolfe, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dennis Dean Wagner was born on December 17, 1943, in Pocahontas, Iowa, and was a twin to his brother Dale Wagner. After graduating high school, Denny began farming alongside his father, Lloyd Wagner, and never looked back. He found his passion and purpose in the land, dedicating his life to agriculture with unwavering commitment. Farming wasn't just a job to Dennis-it was a calling, a way of life he cherished deeply. On April 25, 1964, Dennis married Delores Dugan at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Humboldt, Iowa. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family until her passing on February 10, 2007.

As his children, we were proud of his many accomplishments, especially his pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence. Denny was one of the first farmers in Pocahontas County to harvest 200 bushels of corn for the county yield contest-a milestone that marked a turning point in local agriculture. He went on to win the contest multiple times, earning the respect and admiration of fellow farmers throughout the region.

In 2003, Denny expanded his passion for hard work and community by founding Wagner's Truck & Auto Sales in Rolfe, Iowa. What began as a small venture quickly grew into a thriving business that kept Denny, Bob, and Devin busy for years. The business brought him great joy-not just for its success, but for the time it allowed him to spend working alongside his family. Who would have thought it would become such a great success?

Denny was also deeply dedicated to the Catholic Church, living out his faith through service, humility, and devotion. His spiritual life was a guiding force in how he treated others-with kindness, patience, and compassion.

Outside of work and faith, Denny loved cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, watching Caitlin Clark light up the basketball court, taking trips to the casino, and simply spending time with his kids and family. One of his favorite daily rituals was going to coffee with his friends every morning, where stories were shared, laughs were had, and friendships were strengthened. He loved his friends deeply, and those connections meant the world to him. Even in his final days, he was talking about going to coffee uptown-proof of how much joy and comfort those mornings brought him.

Denny is survived by his children: Bob Wagner (Sherri), DeAnn Decker (Jamie Thorpe), and Nicki Wagner (John Storey); his grandchildren: Brooke McCartan (Travis Johnson), Tiffany Elbert (Kyle), Madeline Shultice (Collin), Miranda Decker, Devin Wagner (Kalista), Josh Decker (Jasmine Spann), and Kellen Lamb; and his great-grandchildren: Brantley McCartan, Macy Elbert, Jaelyn Elbert, Bria Elbert, and Lennon Shultice. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Larson (Larry) and Barb Bennett (Kenny); sisters-in-law: Dottie Rusher (Darrell) and Pat Wagner (Dale) and many nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Wagner; his granddaughter, McKenzie Decker; his parents, Lloyd and Grace Wagner; his in-laws, Faber and Erma Dugan; and his twin brother, Dale Wagner, who passed away in 2017.

Denny will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family, faith, and community. His legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the business he built, the values he passed down, and the love he shared with all who knew him.