William "Bill" Harris Wagner Sr.

Born on July 31, 1926 in Peoria, IL to Noah and Bertha Wagner, he married the love of his life, Virginia R. Denton on October 22, 1949. She survives. Also surviving is 1 daughter, Carole Rynearson, 1 son, William H. Wagner, Jr. (Dawn), 9 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 daughter, Crystal D. (Wagner) Neaveill, 1 grandson, Joseph Wagner, and 1 son-in-law, Steve Rynearson. The couple remained life-long residents of Central Illinois, where they celebrated 71 years of marriage on October 22 of this year.

Bill served in the United States Navy in WWII aboard the USS Bremmerton, a heavy cruiser. He was honored to participate in the Greater Peoria Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He worked as an auto mechanic for Garnes Garage in Peoria. He went on to own and operate both Garnes Power Equipment in Peoria and the Groveland Garage in Groveland, IL.

Bill was fiercely dedicated to his family and friends. He was happiest playing with his grandchildren and spending time in the yard. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went, especially with animals. Bill was an amazing example of how to live life and treat others.

Services for Bill will be conducted at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria, IL. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 6-8 pm. The funeral, with military honors, will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm, followed by the burial to be held at Fondulac Cemetery also in East, Peoria, IL.

In memory of Bill, donations can be made to:

Greater Peoria Honor Flight

PO Box# 5072

Peoria, IL 61601

Remmert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.