Veronica (Vickey) Marie Hickey Wagner passed away at her home at the age of 87-years on Tuesday October 10, 2023, surrounded by family after a courageous 3-year battle with fibrosis of the lungs. She had a sharp mind, attention to detail, Irish sass and sense of humor right until the end. On the night of her death, her kids and grandkids gathered around her bed and began joking, singing the Lourdes High School fight song, "Onward Lourdes…".  Not missing a beat, she chimed in "Onward Vickey…" knowing she was going to a better place.

Veronica was born August 12, 1936, in Bayard, Iowa to Leo and Anna (Ward) Hickey. Yes, for a time her name was "Vickey Hickey" (we think she got married to lose her maiden name).  She grew up and helped her parents on the farm. When she was 16 years old, the family moved to Grand Meadow, MN, where she graduated from high school in 1954.  She attended the College of Saint Theresa in Winona, MN. Following college, she worked for Warner Brothers Studios in Minneapolis, MN. In 1957, she moved to Rochester, MN and started a job with IBM, where she worked for 24 years as an executive secretary, human resources administrator and manager.

Vickey and Howard met on a blind date and married on September 28, 1963. Howard and Vickey had four wonderful children and were avid supporters of their children's Catholic education and activities. They celebrated 59 years of marriage in 2022. Vickey enjoyed their 13 grandchildren immensely, watching them grow up, share in their achievements, and teach them a lesson or two.  The love of family was always a priority in everything she did. Howard and Vickey had a great work ethic and instilled this quality into their children.

In addition to her career at IBM, raising four children, and managing all the administrative tasks at home, Vickey volunteered as the secretary of the Badger Villa Condominiums, was the secretary of Kee Nee Moo Sha Resort, participated in St. Pius CCW and was a 4-H leader. She enjoyed watching Fox News, football, golf and easy listening music could be frequently heard as she spent hours at her computer.

Vickey enjoyed retirement and her time up north at Kee Nee Moo Sha resort, where they found their northern oasis on Woman Lake in 1970. She spent her time on the beach, sewing, reading, and a variety of family traditions.  Vickey loved to travel throughout her life and made it to Ireland to see her family heritage and spent the last 27 winters in Venice, Florida where they enjoyed the beaches and social gatherings with their many friends.

She is survived by her children Julie (Tim) Modjeski of Frontenac, MN, Lana (Paul) Downes of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Lori Field of Sunbury, OH, and Tony Wagner of Byron, MN; grandchildren Drew, Taylor, Jill and Erik Modjeski; Kelly, Ryan, Kenzie and Nick Downes; Gabby, Cassie, Bella and Noah Field; and Josephine Wagner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Wagner, parents, Leo and Anna Hickey, sisters Marge Garrity and Madeline Burnell (twin sisters) and Son-in-Law Dean Field.  Our confirmation that Vickey was in heaven with Howard came as a sign with a pair of eagles soaring in front of their cabin.

Please join us for a Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life service at Pax Christi Catholic Church, Rochester, MN at 11:30 AM on November 2, 2023, with visitation one hour before the service.  Memorial donations preferred to Operation Smile.org. and in lieu of flowers, memorial trees will be planted in her honor.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .