Elsa Jane Wagner

Elsa Jane Wagner began her eternal life and reunion with welcoming departed family and friends on September 16, 2023, at the age of 83. Elsa was born on September 11, 1940, to Herbert and Minnie (Rush) Mennewisch in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from North Side High School in 1958 and began employment at Lincoln National Bank and Trust Company. 

On June 4, 1960, she married Robert A. Wagner of Kendallville, Indiana, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. They resided in Bloomington, Indiana, while Bob completed law school at Indiana University. During that time, she attended classes at the university and was employed as a teller at a local bank.  

In 1964, she and he returned to Fort Wayne. They became parents of three children: Steven, Brian and Valerie. Elsa chose unconditionally and treasured her role in the family as a full-time mother and homemaker.  During that period, she also served on the school board of Holy Cross Lutheran Church grade school, volunteered in its library and for various parent/school activities and events there and later at Concordia Lutheran High School. 

Following the transition of her children from the home, Elsa returned to part-time bank teller employment and provided volunteer services, specifically at Visiting Nurse and Hospice, now Stillwater Hospice, in Fort Wayne, for more than ten years. 

She enjoyed planning and managing many intimate social activities for family and friends and was acknowledged to be an extraordinary kitchen talent and hostess.  Sadly, her involvement with and many contributions to the life and well-being of each of her family members cannot be replicated.  

Elsa is survived by her husband and three children. She was predeceased by her father, mother, and only sibling, James.

As was her certain directive, at death there was to be no church service or calling and there will be neither. A private interment for Elsa is planned at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. Anyone wishing to contribute a memorial donation in honor of Elsa, may choose to consider Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 12640 St. Joe Road, Grabill, Indiana 46741, or to Stillwater Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville, Indiana. 

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