Mary “Delores” (Matern) Wagner
Mary “Delores” (Matern) Wagner, age 89, of Osgood, transitioned to her eternal life on Saturday, May 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 9, 1936 in Vernon, Indiana the daughter of the late Paul and Sophia (Hill) Matern.
Delores was born and raised in Jennings County, in the Saint Ann’s area, and graduated from Vernon High School in 1954. Her life changed forever one evening when she and a group of friends attended a dance in Millhousen—there, she met a young man named William Wagner. By the end of the evening, he was simply “Bill.” The two were united in marriage on August 23, 1958.
Having rarely left Jennings County before, Delores set off on a honeymoon to Rock City with Bill and returned to live with his family at the home place. That first evening, she cooked dinner for the household, not knowing that the farmhouse would become her lifelong home. She never left again—spending the next 67 years rooted on that beloved farm, where she and Bill built a life rich in love, family, and memories.
Her most cherished role was being a mother. She supported her children and later her grandchildren and great grandchildren with unwavering love, patience, and kindness. She took great pride in raising a big garden—full of all the summer vegetables—and was always ready with a gentle word and warm heart for anyone she met.
Delores had a deep and abiding faith, one she lived by and passed down to her family and those around her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in all who were fortunate to know her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Bill; sons Gary Wagner, Dennis (Flo) Wagner, and Ron (Vicki) Wagner, daughters Rose (Gary) Kramer and Karen (Brian) Horan; numerous grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Tony Wagner, daughter Mary Wagner, and brothers; George, Richard, Joseph, Raymond, and Kenny, and sisters Helen Kirschner, Alberta Biehle, and Esther Matern.
Visitation: will be held at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood on Wednesday, May 7, from 4:00–7:00 PM, with Rosary services beginning at 3:30 PM. A Funeral Mass: will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 8, at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon. The funeral home will open at 9:00 AM, with departure for the church at 9:45 AM.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nealsfuneralhome.net.
