Leander A. “Corky” Wagner, age 88, of Elko New Market, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Lee was born on February 6, 1935 on the family farm in New Market Township to Edward and Evelyn (Lenzmeier) Wagner, Sr. He attended St. Nicholas Catholic School and graduated from New Prague High School. He served in the US Army after high school and came home to marry the woman who had captured his heart and written to him throughout his years in the service. Lee married Victoria L. Skluzacek on June 14, 1960 at Immaculate Conception Church in Lonsdale. They established their life on LAWELKO Farm, just a mile down from the farm Lee grew up on. His strong work ethic saw him always busy and never idle. He remained passionate about crop and dairy farming throughout his life, helping his son with the crop farming and working on the combine the night before he died.

Lee loved the church and modeled his faith in all aspects of his life. He headed the cemetery board and was a tireless advocate for the right of life from conception to natural death. He was a member of the NFO, Knights of Columbus, and the New Prague American Legion. Lee was gregarious and genuine, his booming voice greeting anyone who entered the room. He was a master story-teller and always up for a good game of Euchre. Any other leisure time could find him avidly following the Minnesota Twins and Vikings or fishing. His kindness, stories, and love of family and friends have left a void for all who knew him.

Lee is survived by his 6 children, Lynette (Scott) Henry of Elko New Market, Renee (Todd) Henry of Lakeville, Kenneth (Monica) Wagner of Plymouth, Bobbi (Troy) Kochevar of Nisswa, Tammy (Dave) Stanczak of Apple Valley, Darin (Jody) Wagner of Elko New Market; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ed Wagner, Jr. of Elko New Market, Lois (Tom) Kubes of Owatonna, Sister Cheryl Marie Wagner of Mankato; special friend of 12 years, Harriet Marek of Lakeville. He is preceded in death by his wife, Vicki on February 2, 2006; parents; siblings, Kenny, Aelred “Butch”, Albert, Sister Mary Ellen, Susan in infancy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Elko New Market with Father Michael Rudolf officiating. Mass will be lived-streamed at stncc.net (click the live-stream link half way down the page). Visitation will take place Friday from 3:30-7:00 at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague and on Saturday morning from 9:30-11:00 at church. Burial will occur in the church cemetery where the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military honors. Lunch will follow in the church basement.

Memorials are preferred to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Holy Cross Catholic School, Webster, MN or the Alpha Women’s Center, Prior Lake, MN.