Lois Wagner

Lois (Heilman) Wagner was an impassioned homemaker, seamstress, chef, baker and knitter. She was the foundation of a strong family, helping people along the way. Many in Freeport have enjoyed her innumerable creations: dresses, sweaters, shawls, mittens, cakes, scarves, stocking caps and clothing alterations. In her formidable years she tenaciously supported her family by volunteering in the PTA and being a Cub Scout Den Leader, going all out in decorating for the extravagant Blue & Gold banquets. She was relentless at providing personalized, knitted Christmas stockings for each family member as they entered the family fold. These Christmas stockings will be treasured for years to come. She was born March 19, 1933 to Daniel and Amy (Geise) Heilman in Freeport, Il. On December 4, 2018 she passed away, in the loving arms of her savior Jesus Christ and many of her family members. Lois grew up in Freeport under challenging circumstances and was determined to ensure her immediate family enjoyed opportunities to succeed not afforded to her. And her persistence allowed her to succeed magnificently in accomplishing that goal. She was united in marriage on June 6, 1953 to Donald Wagner, enjoying 65 years of marriage. Their lasting marriage was a gift and treasured by the family. She and Donald were very proud of their children, each obtaining college degrees and all three sons obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Amy Heilman, father and mother in law Leonard and Florence Wagner, brother Robert (Marilyn) Heilman, brother in law Robert (Donna) Lower and sister and brother in law Betty and Joffre Banderet. Lois is lovingly survived by her husband of 65 years, Don, sons Jeff (Sally) of Freeport, Mark (Anne) of Winona, MN, Roger (Deanne) of Yorktown, VA and daughter Janet (Dan) Breed of St. Johns, IN. She is also survived by sister Donna (Robert) Dwyer of Pharr, TX and brother-in-law's William Wagner and Richard Hamm both of Freeport, IL. Lois was also very proud of their 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, who will treasure the memories and handmade creations that she lovingly created. Grandma's special, coveted banana chocolate chip cookies will be missed mightily by the family. No doubt many efforts will be made to recreate the special confectionary. Family was always the number one priority to Lois and she demonstrated that in the way she lived. A celebration of Lois' life is scheduled for December 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home with a visitation immediately preceding at 10 a.m. Services are entrusted to Burke-Tubbs Funeral Homes. The family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Village, Freeport Health Network Hospice and Dr. Bennett for the care they provided. Please share a memory of Lois at www.burketubbs.com as the family reflects upon and treasures a life well lived, selfless and devoted to others. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established in her name.