Genevieve L. Wagner Obituary
Genevieve L. "Jeanie" Wagner March 3, 1924 – January 29, 2021 On January 29, 2021 Genevieve L. "Jeanie" Wagner, 96, of Kankakee, answered the Lord's call and moved to her mansion in Heaven. She was born on March 3, 1924 in Joliet, Illinois, the second daughter of Peter W. Jansen and Myrtle (Hubbard) Jansen. She married the love of her life and soul mate, George T. Wagner on February 24, 1944.
He passed away on September 20, 1974. He awaits her arrival. Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, one sister, Anna Marie Jansen and twin brothers, Peter William Jansen Jr. and William Peter Jansen. Surviving is her daughter, Susan Jean. Jeanie worked on the family farm, while achieving an 8th grade education, until she left the farm at age 18.
She then worked at the Joliet Arsenal where she put the fuses in the bombs. She met her soon to be husband in Joliet. After marrying George, they moved to Kankakee where Jeanie worked for Amberg File and Index. She worked there until she had her daughter, Susan. Jeanie stayed home with Susan until she reached school age. Jeanie started at Riverside in the Housekeeping Department on the 4th floor where she worked for 21 years.
After retirement she participated in the Senior Iron Man at the YMCA riding her stationary bike. She participated in Senior Aerobics, and walked the treadmill at Kankakee YMCA and Provena Wellness Center well into her 90's. Jeanie walked during many March of Dimes events raising money for the cause. She loved to walk her dog, Sadie, averaging two miles a day, rain or shine, sleet or snow.
Jeanie loved reading, walking, riding her stationary bike. She was a member of the United Methodist Women in the Dorothy Minor Circle. She was a loyal 75-year member of the St. Mark United Methodist Church. Most importantly, Jeanie loved the Lord Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and read her bible every day. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at St Mark Methodist Church located at 1200 W. Calista St., Kankakee.
Per COVID 19 restrictions, face masks and social distancing will be required. Burial will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Aroma Township. Memorial may be made to the Kankakee County Humane Foundation where she adopted her beloved dog, Sadie. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home in Kankakee.
