Kenneth E. Wagner, 82, a life-long Buckley resident, died at 11:58 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am. Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 206 E. Main Street, Buckley with Rev. J. Kevin Wyckoff officiating.  Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Buckley.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Buckley and one hour before the funeral service on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Buckley is handling arrangements.

Kenneth was born June 28, 1941, in Buckley the son of Leonard and Elda V. Luhrsen Wagner.   He married Rena Kaufmann October 27, 1962 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Buckley.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Rena, he is survived by one son, Mark (Leah) Wagner of Paxton; one daughter, Vicki (Phil) Black of South Jacksonville; three grandchildren, Austin Black of Fayetteville, GA, Annika Black of Jacksonville, Sarah (Travis) Rasmussen of Potomac; great granddaughter, Kenzie Rasmussen of Potomac; one sister, Ellen Verkler of Cissna Park; brother, Wayne (Jane) Wagner of Buckley and a sister-in-law, Charlene Kaufmann of Buckley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Charles Verkler and Neil Kaufmann.

Kenneth graduated from Buckley-Loda High School in 1959 and the Bailey College of Engineering & Technology in St. Louis, MO.  He was a mechanic for Sullivan Motor Sales, Hari Motor Sales and Paxton Farm Equipment before becoming the custodian for Buckley-Loda High School and later for Paxton-Buckley-Loda Elementary School.  Ken also continued to farm during these years.

He not only cared deeply for his family, but also the appearance of his lawn each spring. The importance of his strong Christian faith was shared with his family on a daily basis by his words and actions. He was known for all his "gadgets" - he had a tool for every task.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and a longtime member of the church choir.  He was also an Elder for the church.  Ken was a former member of the Buckley ESDA.  He had a passion for farming and looked forward to working the fields.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Church, St. John's Choir, St. John's School or an organization of the donor's choice.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.