Pearl Julia Wagner

Pearl Julia Wagner, age 84, entered heaven on December 10, 2025. She was born on November 18, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Simon and Nellie Donges. Pearl lived a life marked by love, resilience, and quiet strength, and her life reflected a deep and abiding faith in the Lord.

On January 24, 1976, Pearl was united in marriage to Ralph Wagner. Together, they shared not only a life, but a calling. Pearl and Ralph devoted themselves to jail ministry, faithfully worshiping the Lord and witnessing to hundreds of men and women who gave their lives to Christ.

Music was one of the great joys of Pearl’s life and a powerful way she shared her faith. She learned to play the accordion at the age of five, later mastering the piano, and was gifted with a beautiful singing voice that often left church congregations with goosebumps. Pearl was a member of a gospel trio known as The Eastern Gate Trio, alongside her son-in-law Danny Renison and her dear friend Don Caron. Throughout her life, she faithfully played the piano and sang for her churches, using her talents to glorify the Lord and uplift others.

For many years, Pearl and Ralph attended Jesus Name Church, pastored by James Outlaw, where Pearl lovingly served by playing the piano.

Pearl is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Ralph Wagner; her sons Chris Hale, Danny Reed, and Richard Wagner; her daughters Terry Hale and Terena Renison; her son-in-law Danny Renison; her parents Simon and Nellie Donges; her grandparents; and many cherished friends and family members who went before her.

She is lovingly survived by her sister Jewel Burrows; her daughter Teresa Terhorst (Adrian); her son Curtis Hale (Sharon); 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

Inside Pearl’s Bible, we found a note handwritten as a reminder to herself and to others:

“Sometimes you just have to let the bridges break, allow the tears to flow, hold on to Jesus, and start again.”