Gertrude H. "Trudy" Wagner

Wagner, Gertrude Helen "Trudy"

passed into eternal life, Wednesday August 14, 2013. Born in Jackson, Michigan April 12, 1927 to Edward and Helen Dempsey, who preceded her in death, as did her husband of 61 years, Richard "Jim"; her brother, Harold Dempsey; as well as her beloved son-in-law, Timothy Dwyer. Trudy is survived by her three lovely daughters, Teresa (Larry Graetz), Carol Dwyer, Sharon Partin, and son Tom (Susan) Wagner. Her lineage extends through 7 grandchildren: Brandon, Stephen and Matthew Graetz; Erin Dwyer; Ryan Partin, Jessica Carmody and Kristen Swegles; along with 17 great grandchildren.

After graduating from Jackson High School in 1945, Gertrude attended Jackson Community College. She worked in the purchasing department and as a photo model at Hayes Industries before marrying her one true love, Jim. She worked as a secretary for many years for Jackson attorneys before beginning her career with the Jackson District Library, where she became the head librarian of the Eastern Branch, retiring in 1988.

Her character was strongly influenced by the Great Depression and instilled in her the desire to help others. She will forever be remembered by many neighbors, friends, library patrons and strangers alike.

Devout and faithful, Trudy was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Trudy's interests included reading, knitting, trips to the casino, pontoon rides on Lake Columbia with her husband Jim where they resided for over 20 years. Mostly, she cherished time spent with her family. In her varied roles as homemaker, career woman, daughter, sister, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Trudy was unselfish with her wisdom, sense of humor, storytelling and her immeasurable love.

Mrs. Wagner is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a Prayer Service will be held on Monday at 9:30 AM, just prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. Father Robert Pienta will be the celebrant at the Mass. Interment will take place at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Sunday from 2–4 and 6–8 PM with a Rosary Service at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Trudy would have appreciated contributions to either Tim Dwyer Memorial Scholarship Fund at Lumen Christi or the Cascade Humane Society.

The family of Trudy and Jim Wagner want to acknowledge the wonderful care from caregivers at Trellis Gardens over the past 2 ½ years.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--Family owned for 123 years