James Wagner

James "Jim" Wagner, 74, of Atwater, died Tuesday, March 10 at St. Cloud Hospital. A celebration of Jim's life will be 11:30 – 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 2 at The Green Roof Area Center in Paynesville. Interment will be 11:00 am, Saturday, May 2 at Saint Louis Catholic Church Cemetery in Paynesville. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.

James Leo Wagner was born on January 1, 1952, in Alexandria, Minnesota, to Bernard and Viola (Guenther) Wagner. During his youth, the family lived in Osakis, Freeport, and Meire Grove before eventually settling in Paynesville. Jim graduated from Paynesville High School in 1969.

After high school, Jim worked as a mechanic at Yarmon Ford in Paynesville and later at Atwater Ford in Atwater. In 1987, he started his own business, Jim's Services, providing lawn mowing and snow removal, which he operated until his retirement. Jim also co-operated TWT Construction, whose unofficial motto was, "It's good enough; it's just rental property." (If you know, you know.) In addition, Jim hauled fish for West Central Bait, a job he enjoyed, especially with the company and help of his brother Ronnie on his final trips.

Jim spent many years with his longtime significant other, Donna Swenson, and together they made their home in Atwater. He enjoyed deer hunting with family and friends, fishing, camping, spending time at the lake, taking pontoon rides with his grandchildren, working in the garage and on the yard, and playing with his great-granddaughter, Huntleigh.

Jim is survived by his significant other, Donna Swenson; his children, Allison Fernelius, Matthew Wagner, and Kate (Rodney) Kaiser; and his bonus children, Jenny (Randy) Egge, Tabitha (Jason) Mortenson, and Joni Swenson. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jeremia, Brianna, Mackenzie, Alexander (Isbell), Jessica, Hannah, Colter, Wyatt, Grace, Kagen (Mackenzie), Taylor, Payton, and Wyatt; his bonus grandchildren, Taryn (Justin), Sierra, Olivia, Owen, Onnika, and Mia; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Jim is further survived by his siblings: Darrell (Roxine), Dean (Cheri), Dennis, Barb Peterson, Sharon (Tom) Lyons, Doris Herzog, Joyce Anderson, Ronnie (Cheryl), Donna Kemper, and Annette (Carl) Stich, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Viola Wagner; and his siblings: Erma, Leo, Bernard Jr., Earl, Donald, Joan, and Myron. His brother, Allen Wagner, joined them one day later, on March 1l, 2026.