George Wagner

(September 13, 1910 - March 29, 2009)

Published Obituary from April 2, 2009

George N. Wagner, a native of Festina, Iowa, died at his home on March 29. Born September 13, 1910, was a Felton resident from 1965 until moving to Pebble Beach in 1986 and then to San Jose last September.

George retired as the General Manager of the Santa Cruz Branch of Granite Construction in a career that spanned 54 years. As a young man, he worked building roads in Yosemite. Among a multitude of projects, he also worked on the Alaska-Canada Highway, was involved in the construction of the Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay Harbors, and Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

George enjoyed playing music with his family, sang in the choirs of Holy Cross, St. John's, and St. Angela Merici churches and served as a square dance caller. He served as the Board Chairman of Dominican Hospital and was a member of the Secular Franciscans, Holy Cross Fraternity, Knights of Malta, Knights of Columbus and the Elks. George loved the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing and, according to all who knew him, "the man could bar-b-que a steak".

George is survived by his children, Arthur Mary Jean of San Jose, Phil of Santa Cruz, Tom of Felton and Terese Paul Abbott of Kent, CT; his brothers, Eugene of Valley Ford, CA and Jack of Hollister, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. His wife of 67 years, Beth, preceded him in death in 2005.

Visitation will be at The Paul Mortuary Chapel in Pacific Grove on Sunday, April 5 at 4:30 PM followed by the Vigil Service at 5:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Angela Merici Church, also in Pacific Grove, on Monday, April 6 at 10:00 AM with burial at San Carlos Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, contact@pvshelter.org, www.pvshelter.org, 831-728-5649 or the St. Joseph Monastery of the Poor Clares, PO Box 160, Aptos, CA, 95001, www.poorclare.org, 831-761-9659. To sign George's guest book and leave condolences for his family, please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com.