Lloyd A. ’Kicker’ Wagener

Lloyd A. “Kicker” Wagener passed away on September 4, 2022 in his home. He was 93.

A celebration of life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church Horicon on Lloyd’s birthday, Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 12 noon with the Rev. Daniel Vojta officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 20 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 noon. Inurnment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Horicon with military honors provided by the Horicon American Legion Post #157 and the Army Honor Guard.

Lloyd was born October 20, 1928, in Horicon to Arthur and Mary Wagener, joining two sisters, Pearl and Alice and one brother Raymond.

Lloyd attended Horicon Public School and was a 1946 graduate. One of his proudest moments was when he and his basketball teammates won the Little Ten Basketball Championship in 1944-45. Lloyd was very active in sports at Horicon High School: All four years participating in football, basketball, and track, and baseball three years.

After graduation Lloyd worked at John Deere until he was called to serve his country in 1951 and took his basic training at Fort Hood, Texas in the 2nd Armored Division called the ‘Hell on Wheels’ Division. The Division was moved to Germany in June of 1951 where Lloyd was stationed for 18 months in the 3rd Armored Field Artillery 104 Howitzer Battalion Head Quarters Battery at Mannheim, Germany. Then later was transferred to the 16th Armored Field Artillery Battalion Head Quarters Battery at Baumholder, Germany. He was a radio operator for the forward observer and served as mail clerk. While Lloyd was stationed at Mannheim, he played on the 2nd Armored Division football team as starting outside linebacker and played on the 3rd Battalion basketball team as the starting guard. Lloyd returned to the USA in December of 1952.

Lloyd and Bernice Schwartz were married in Horicon on January 24, 1953.

Lloyd was proud to live and work in Horicon, for John Deere Horicon Works, Stokley Van Camp, and for the City of Horicon for 31 years, the last 12 as Supervisor of the Department of Public Works.

In 1956 Lloyd’s interest in community service for his hometown began. He served the City of Horicon as a member of the Horicon Fire Dept. for 31 years and Secretary/Treasurer for the last 12 of those years and part time police officer for two years. Lloyd served on the Horicon School Board for 18 years with 12 of those as President. He was also on the Rock River Hills Golf Course Board of Directors. After his retirement Lloyd served the City of Horicon as Third District alderman for nine years then as Mayor for eight years. He also served on the Oak Hill Cemetery Board of Trustee’s until the time of his death.

Lloyd was very active in the American Legion having served his local post 157, as Chaplin, Adjutant, Finance Officer, Vice Commander, and Commander. Continuing as the Dodge County American Legion Chaplin, Vice Commander, and County Commander, the 2nd District American Legion as Adjutant, Finance Officer, Vice Commander, and Commander. He served the State of Wisconsin American Legion on many committees and was elected Wisconsin American Legion Department Vice Commander in 1983, then elected Wisconsin American Legion Department Commander in 1986. He was also elected to the governing body of National American Legion as the Alternant National Executive Committeeman serving for four years, then National Executive Committeeman for four more years. After that he served on the National Economics Commission for 17 years. He then became an honorary life member of that committee. Lloyd also served on the Board of Directors of Badger Boys State for 27 years. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40/8, and the I.O.O.F. better known as the Odd Fellows.

As busy as Lloyd was, he found time to enjoy bowling, fishing, and hunting with his father Art, his uncle Del, son Edward, brother-in-law Glen Muenchow, and friend Norb Key.

Survivors include his children, Ellen Sunderland Horicon WI, Faith (Don) Klostreich Yuma AZ., Linda Wagener Madison WI., and Edward (Vicki) Wagener Cambridge WI., grandchildren Jill (Jaemeson), Kailey, Dharma, Traci (Darrell), Holli, Kelli, Brian (Chelsea), great-grandchildren Jay, Tyler, Trevor, Amanda, Justin, Whitney, Jordan, Brayden, Levi, Kiley, great great-grandchildren Alese, Bella, Eliza, Birdie, Catalaya, Jeseth, Yaya, and many nieces and nephews.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife Bernice who passed away on Nov. 17, 2017. They were married for 69 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mary Wagener, two sisters, Pearl Young, Alice Wagener, one brother Raymond Wagener, brother-in-law Russell Young, sister-in-law Lucille Wagener, and son-in-law Stephen Sunderland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Horicon or Horicon American Legion Post 157 building fund.

Special thanks to Home Instead and Hillside Hospice caregivers for their caring and support of Kicker and his family.