Leo Peter Wagner, 97 of Rochester passed away peacefully on Friday September 27, 2024, in his sleep in the home that he and his wife Alice designed for their final years.

Leo was born February 1, 1927, to George and Carrie (Trentz) Wagner in Dubuque, IA, the fifth of 10 children. He attended Holy Ghost Grade School, Sr. High School, and Loras College in Dubuque.

He moved to Rochester in 1953 to attend the Methodist/Kahler school of nursing, where he met his wife, Alice. They graduated together in 1955. They were married November 13, 1954, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester. They resided in rural Rochester and also farmed near Millville on her family farm.

He completed a degree in Nurse Anesthesia at the Mayo Clinic. He worked at St. Marys in Orthopedic Surgery as a Nurse Anesthetist and Supervisor until his retirement in the 1980's. In his early years, he had the honor of administering anesthesia for surgeons Dr. Charles Mayo and Dr. Waltman Walters.

After retirement, he remained active volunteering for Mayo Medical Missions for 37 years. He and Alice attended craft shows and the Rochester Farmer's Market for 35 years, selling their handmade woodcrafts and garden produce.

Leo always enjoyed the outdoors whether it be farming, gardening, hunting, fishing or agate picking. He loved sharing his outdoor adventures and taught by example.

He was a good steward of the land, planting thousands of trees and incorporating conservation practices on the farmland.

He is survived by four sons Lynn (Jacque), Dan (Pam), Pete (Joan), George (Janine) four daughters Dianne, Mary (Kevin) Richardson, Patty, Peggy (Ken) Scott, nineteen grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Mary, Walt, and Helen.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alice (2012) son Earl (1997) and siblings George, John, Tony, Joe, Margaret, and Dorothy.

The Memorial Mass for Leo will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 5:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Celebration of life will be held after the Mass in the St. Claire Room at St. Francis. Interment will be at a later date in Millville, MN.

Leo donated his body to Mayo Medical Science Research.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Hurt, Dr. Juan Bowen, Mayo Palliative Care, Home Instead and CORAM for their excellent care and compassion.

In memory of Leo, we suggest you plant a tree, make a donation to Rochester Medical Missions or your favorite charity.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Blessed be his memory.