Dolores Mary Wagner, 77, peacefully entered eternal life on August 10, 2025.
She was born into this earthly life on December 13, 1947, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, the daughter of Robert P. and Delphine K. (Schneider) Wagner.
Dolores attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Marytown, where she developed a deep fondness for the nuns, especially Sr. Rebecca, whom she remembered fondly even in her final year. She began her high school studies at Sabish High School in Fond du Lac, but health challenges led her to step away from the traditional classroom. This change allowed her to devote her energy to the Marytown family farm, where she, her brother Roger, and sister Carol gained invaluable life skills. Dolores’s strong work ethic shone in the daily chores—tending the garden, preparing meals, and caring for her many chickens and kittens.
Later, she began working at Brook Industries in Fond du Lac, a supported training program for individuals with different abilities. Dolores took great pride in her work and formed many friendships there, including a lifelong bond with her best friend, Rita Mischo, who preceded her in death in 2015. Dolores and her mother, Delphine, were well known for hosting seasonal gatherings—complete with hayrides and generous meals—for her Brook Industries friends and co-workers.
Dolores cherished large family gatherings, especially when they involved the delicious dishes she helped prepare. She treasured her 22 aunts and uncles and loved her 27 cousins like siblings, greeting them with joy whenever they visited the family farm.
Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Dolores found great joy in singing with her church choir—an expression of her deep faith. She had the “gift of gab,” a quick wit for telling jokes, and a special talent for baking, thanks to her mother’s teaching. She also excelled in embroidery, creating countless pillowcases and table covers for those she loved.
After the family farm was sold, Dolores moved to Sheboygan with her mother, brother, sister, and brother-in-law. There, she remained active in her church choir, worked at RCS, and enjoyed exploring the city by bus—always greeted by name by the bus drivers. Her kindness was legendary: she prayed daily for everyone she loved, faithfully said the rosary, and never forgot a birthday.
Though her body and mind were shaped by unique limitations, Dolores carried a spirit of love and goodness that blessed her family with some of life’s greatest lessons—teaching love without limits, the value of perseverance, and the joy found in simple moments. Born with epilepsy, she survived countless life-threatening seizures, injuries, and rounds of medication, yet lived a long and remarkable 77 years. Her sister Carol’s extraordinary care was the foundation of that long life—care that surpassed anything professional hands could provide.
In her later years, Dolores made her home at Willowdale Health Services, where she was deeply loved by the nurses and staff. There, as throughout her life, she was seen as an angel—fitting, as she collected angels herself. Now, she is truly our angel.
Dolores is survived by her beloved sister and caretaker, Carol (Wagner) Leicht; five nieces and nephews, John (Debra) Duerwaechter, Rev. Judine Duerwaechter, Steven (Ann) Duerwaechter, Mark (Sheri) Duerwaechter, Jennifer Leicht; seven great nieces and nephews, Sonia (Samir) Tanna, Anna (Teo) Ninkovic, Emily (Baron) Gottsacker, Amy Duerwaechter, Amber (Scott) Pulak, Adrea (Ryan) Hilbert, Anthony Leicht; and 10 great, great, nieces and nephews, Deven and Maxwell Tanna, Niko and Nina Ninkovic, Enzo and Zoe Gottsacker, Lucy Pulak, Hazel and Hudson Hilbert, and Anthony Leicht, Jr.
Dolores was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, infant brother, Paul Wagner, brother, Roger, and brother-in-law, Thomas Leicht.
A Celebration of Life and Funeral Mass for both Dolores and Roger will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic church, N10232 Co Rd. G in Marytown, on October 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm, with a visitation at Noon. Burial will take place immediately following the service at the church’s cemetery. In lieu of flowers, although she loved them, please give generously to the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin, www.epilepsywisconsin.org.
Ballhorn Chapels is assisting the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting our website at www.ballhornchapels.com.
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