Mary Josephine Wagner

Mary Josephine Wagner, age 77, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, following a courageous journey with cancer.

She was born on December 29, 1947, in La Porte, Indiana, to the late Gerald N. Wagner Sr. and Geraldine M. (Wirtner) Wagner.

Mary Jo devoted her professional life to administrative and customer service work, serving as an Administrative Assistant, Dispatcher, and Customer Service Manager for Recticel Foam, Roadway Express, and New York Blower, before retiring from Nash Finch.

She was a graduate of Marquette High School in Michigan City and earned both her B.A. and M.S.E. degrees from Purdue University. Mary Jo was a faithful member of Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church in La Porte.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Rosemary J. (Thad) Bagnato of Aurora, Colorado; Janice A. (Kevin) Pattengale of Walkerton, Indiana; Barbara J. (Jerry deceased) Winski of Portage, Indiana; and Joseph W. (Rhonda) Wagner of La Porte, Indiana. She is also survived by her cherished nieces and nephews, who held a very special place in her heart.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, John L. Wagner, Charles Wagner, and Dr. Gerald N. (Chris deceased) Wagner Jr.; and a sister, Ann Edgecomb.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana.

Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jo’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Indiana, Riley Children’s Hospital, or the Hydrocephalus Association & Research.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Mary Jo’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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