Dwight William "Spud" Wagner was born on December 18, 1923 at Corwith, Iowa to Albert F. and Fannie B. (Felt) Wagner. Spud attended school in Wesley and entered the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served on the USS Kanawha. Following his discharge in 1946, Spud returned to Wesley where he was a mechanic. On February 10, 1947, he married Evelyn Elbert in Algona. The couple lived in Corwith before moving to Algona in 1950. Spud was a long time employee of Kossuth Motors and Ken's Auto in Algona, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, automobiles, and trucks. Spud liked being out of doors and was always there to lend a helping hand.
Spud was a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church, a member of V.F.W. Post #2541 and a past member of the Knights of Columbus. Spud died following a short illness on Friday evening, August 12, 2005 at Kossuth Regional Health Center at the age of 81.
Survivors include his wife Evelyn of Algona; children Terry and wife Hazel of Algona; Tom and wife Marilyn of Jewell, Iowa; David and wife Joyce of Whittemore, Iowa and Linda and husband Ed Kausalik of Urbandale, Iowa as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Spud was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother and an infant son James.