William “Ben” Wagner Jr., 96, Hammond, passed away at 1 p.m. April 4, 2015, in Warsaw Meadows Care Center. He was born Jan. 28, 1919, in Hammond, to William and Hannah Elizabeth Wagoner Wagner. In November of 1942, in Seattle, he married Violet Swiek, who preceded him in death April 8, 2007. A lifetime resident of Hammond, he owned Wagner and Son Auto Wreckers, Hammond. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941 to 1945. He was a member of American Legion Post #168, Hammond, for 62 years. He loved boating and fishing on Lake Michigan. He is survived by two sons, Benny (and spouse Debbie) Wagner, Gobles, Mich., and Larry (and spouse Karen) Wagner, Hebron; his daughter, Bonnie Lee, Warsaw; his sister, Katherine (and spouse Richard) Rehbein, Valparaiso; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and five great–great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, May Ewing and June Zulowski. There are no services or visitation planned. Burial will be at a later date. ***** McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, was entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent via mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
