James E. Wagner

James E. Wagner passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.  Son of Dennis Wagner and Mabel Wagner, he was born near LaValle, WI in the house on what is now Roznos Rd.  His family moved from Wisconsin when he was four years old and grew up in the Flint, MI area.  Upon graduation, he joined the US Navy Sea Bees.  He served on Midway and Adak Islands, and Vietnam.  After his Sea Bees discharge, he met and married Monica Mittlesteadt.  They began their life together in the Flint area.  Together they had three children.

Jim dearly loved his work on power transmission lines.  His job was teaching linemen to work on power lines while they were still energized, first as a tool demonstrator and later as a Line Superintendent for Basin Electric in Mandan, ND.  After Jim retired, they moved to Reedsburg, WI.

Jim is survived by his wife, Monica; children: Amy and Ryan Suemnicht, Toni Wagner, and Robert Wagner; grandchildren: Carley Suemnicht (Sam Kozlowski) and James Suemnicht (Jewel Campbell); sisters: Marion Nordstrom, Nancy Clark, and Cindy Wagner; sisters-in-law: Myrna and Jerry Williams, and Shirley Mittlesteadt; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law: Michael Kimball, Louis Nordstrom, Martin and Betty Mittlesteadt, Marvin and Merna Mittlesteadt, Monard Mittlesteadt, and Maynard and Mary Mittlesteadt.

Per Jim’s request, a private family memorial will be held at a later date.  Memorials of remembrance can be made to Badger Honor Flight or Sauk County Special Olympics.

Sea Bees: Can do!