Kenneth Wagner

Ken Wagner, 80, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 17th.

Born September 19, 1943, Ken grew up in the Centralia home of his parents Kenneth E. & Eva (Walchonski) and his beloved sister Helen Ann.

Ken graduated from Mt. Carmel High School class of 1961.

In 1968 he started his own company, Wagner Precision Grinding, later changed to Wagner Industries, Inc. in Centralia, but, in 1986, the mine fire forced Ken to relocate his family and business.  Ken, along with his wife Dolores and children Stephen, Tina and Pamela moved to Ft. Springs with the business moving to the Frackville Industrial Park where it continues to operate today. 

Dolores, Tina and Steve worked side by side with Ken at Wagner Industries, while Pam pursued a successful career in nursing.

Throughout his career of more than five decades Ken proudly acquired a U.S. patent and was an innovator who pioneered uniquely designed parts that transformed the corrugated box industry he so loved.

He was deeply passionate about his hobby of trap shooting and sporting clays and was a member of several trap and skeet clubs including Zerbe Trap & Skeet, Blue Ridge, and Sarasota Trap & Skeet in Florida

Ken’s favorite vacation destination was Venice, Florida where he and wife Dee would spend many warm winters away from the northern climate. 

Ken will always be remembered as a kind, generous, and honorable man that was totally dedicated to his family.  He impressed folks with his engineering skills and built a legacy meant to last with blood, sweat & tears that will be carried on by his successors.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Dolores (Antonelli) of 62 years, daughter Tina and her husband Peter Olanich, son Stephen and family Tami, Sierra & Lauren as well as daughter Pamela & husband Sean Murray, daughter Jillian. Also surviving are nieces & nephews and his favorite sister-in-law Jacky Blase. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.

Divine Liturgy will be held on Friday, January 26, 11:00 A.M at Assumption BVM Church, Centralia with Very Rev. Arch Priest Michael Hutsko officiating. A Celebration of life will be held immediately following the Liturgy. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made to Assumption BVM Church 131 North Beech St. Mt. Carmel, Pa. 17851 or The Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or at www.parkinson.org. Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home 40 South Market Street Mt. Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz, III Supervisor is entrusted with arrangements. To leave a condolence to the family please visit www.stutzfuneralhome.com