Elizabeth Mary Wagner, 107, of South Haven, passed away Monday, May 14, 2 018 at her daughter’s home under Hospice care. She was born April 29, 1911 to Henry and Clara (Arras) von Stein in Hancock County, Ohio. Elizabeth married Harold Wagner on August 12, 1939 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Jenera, Ohio. They shared 43 years of marriage before his passing in 1982. Elizabeth was a teacher all her life. She was a student at Michigan Luther Seminary High School, the Martin Luther College in New Alm, Minnesota. Elizabeth taught in many Lutheran schools in Minnesota and Michigan. She founded VIP Visually Impaired Group. She was a former church organist and choir director. Elizabeth was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Sister Lakes.
She is preceded in death along with her parents and husband by siblings – Margaret von Stein, Martha Boehm, John von Stein, and Armon von Stein, Emma Searson, and Sam von Stein, one great granddaughter – Kayla Knittle.
Elizabeth is survived by her children – John (Sandy) Wagner of Dowagiac and Joann (Allen) Frank of South Haven, sisters-in-law – Mary Lee, Wilda, and Ruby von Stein, brother-in-law – Keith Greenwood, six grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter also survive.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Funeral services will follow visitation at 11:00 AM with Pastor David Schaller officiating at the funeral home. Elizabeth will be laid to rest next to her husband Harold at Chambers Cemetery in Geneva Township. Contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the Lutheran Confession College Building Fund, 501 Grover Road, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, or Redeemer Lutheran Church of Sister Lakes, 66325 M 152, Dowagiac, MI 49047.