Folsom Funeral Service

Wagner, Karl R.

 Wagner, Karl

Karl Richard Wagner, a longtime resident of Riverview Street in Dedham, died Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Needham campus.  He was 87.  Karl was born November 30, 1930 in Boston, Massachhusetts, the son of Karl and Margaret Wagner, immigrants from Germany.  He graduated from Jamaica Plain High School and studied for a year at Wentworth Institute for Technology in Boston.  After high school Karl worked as a cabinetmaker for two years at Charak Furniture Company in Boston before serving for 4 years in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War.  In August of 1952 he was wounded in action in Korea and awarded the Purple Heart.  He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in August of 1954.  He rejoined the workforce as a carpenter working for Earl Midgely Company of Sudbury and Conant Construction of Weston.  Karl was a member of American Legion Post 18 in Dedham, the USS Jacob Jones Veterans of Foreign War Post 2017 in Dedham, a life member of the Boylston Shul-verein of Walpole, and ana ctive member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dedham.  He was the husband of the late Barbara Alice (Himmelman) Wagner for 50 years until her passing in 2003; and the brother of the late William Wagner, Clara Himml, Hilda Wagner, and Elsie Wagner.  Karl is survived by his two daughters, Lynne A. Rumba, and her husband Richard, of Harpswell, Maine, and Susan M Cousin, and her husband Gary, of Bolton;  his son, Richard K. Wagner, and his wife Sharon, of Attleboro; his five grandchildren, Dennis Rumba, Jill Torrice, Victoria Wagner, Kelsey Wagner, and Benjamin Wagner; and his great grandson, Cassidy Rumba.  Karl also leaves his longtime companion, Joan Murrray, and his special neighbors, Sean and Anne Quinn.  Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 4 to 7 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood.  Relative and friends are invited to attend his funeral Thursday, August 16th at 10 am at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 950 East Sreet, Dedham followed by burial with military honors in the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery in West Roxbury.

Guestbook Entries

  1. Brian Himmelman
    August 11th, 2018 | 5:00 pm

    A sad time, but we relish in the knowing that His promise is fulfilled and that Uncle Wag is now in the Glory of His presence.

  2. Paula Meridan
    August 11th, 2018 | 6:44 pm

    Mr. Wagner was a dear dear friend of my beloved parents, Stuart and Elaine Meridan of Westwood. Dad and Karl would share Sunday morning services together as well as decades of friendship. Mom would refer to Karl as “my favorite carpenter”. Beloved, always a gentleman, kind, loving, affectionate and the consummate Christian. Deeply saddened. He was a gem and will always miss him.
    Paula Meridan

  3. Linda Patterson Victoria
    August 13th, 2018 | 10:36 am

    To: Lynne, Susan, Richard and Families- Please accept our condolences on the passing of your dad. So many memories from the neighborhood. He is with your Mom now for eternity. The old neighborhood is getting back together just in a better place. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless and pray that all the great memories help you through the difficult days ahead. The Patterson Family

  4. Kevin Miller
    August 13th, 2018 | 5:18 pm

    To the Wagner family,

    I will remember your father and grandfather fondly. A visit to my grandparents on Mass Ave would not be complete without either seeing Karl and Barbara Wagner or hearing about how they were doing. Take comfort in knowing that they are together again, with all their family and friends.

    -Kevin Miller (grandson of Frank and Betty Baronie)

  5. Ruth Collari
    August 13th, 2018 | 7:58 pm

    My favorite Uncle Karl, the last of the Wagner siblings
    How much fun I had with him at Sheridan Street Jamaica Plain
    On Saturdays he used to make the best BLT sandwiches along with raw hamburger on rye How much I missed it. Yummy Yummy Uncle Karl May you rest in peace
    Ruth (Himml) Collari niece

  6. Bruce kubick
    August 15th, 2018 | 9:04 am

    Growing as kids we were all the same age and knew each other due to our mothers sewing club. I
    enjoyed many conversations with Karl when we all helped out at the Legion. Anytime I would go to the German club for an event I would alway look for karl

  7. August 17th, 2018 | 1:37 pm

    Dear Wagner Family
    So sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. He was a close friend of my mom and dad, Gus and Gertrude
    Scheer. He was well known and respected member of the BSV and will be missed by all.
    Rainer Scheer and Family

  8. Laura Dunsworth
    August 19th, 2018 | 2:19 pm

    We have fond memories of our time spent with Karl. We met Karl when we were visiting with my Aunt Joan and enjoyed their company while they were at our home in Nova Scotia on several occasions. Karl had a great sense of humour and was a wonderful person. Our hearts go out to all of Karl’s family and friends.
    Laura and Jeff Dunsworth and family

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service