WAGLER, Ethel Louise: Died 1976

WAGLER, FINCH, MATTHEW, BIANCO

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 5/2/2021 at 16:10:53

Ethel Louise Wagler

Ethel Louise Finch Wagler, the daughter of Dr. Hiram Matthew Finch, was born in Jasper County, Iowa, December 29, 1884. Her father was a medical doctor and practiced in Lynnville, Iowa, Hitt, Missouri, and finally settled in Pulaski, Iowa.

She received her education in Jasper County, Iowa, and at the former Highland Park College in des Moines, Iowa.

It was on December 27, 1908, that she and Clarence E. Wagler were married in Pulaski, Iowa. Three children were born to them: Chris Clayton, Scott Finch and alice Marie.

At the time of their marriage, Mr. Wagler was already established in the funeral and furniture business in Pulaski, Iowa.

In 1916 he and his brother, Venus, established another business in Milton, Iowa to which Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Wagler moved and operated.

July 1, 1921, the brothers purchased a similar business in Bloomfield, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Wagler moved here from Milton, Iowa, although the two brothers were still in partnership until 1928.

Over the years Mrs. Wagler was deeply involved in the business operation with her husband, especially in caring for families at the time of funerals.

Mrs. Wagler took an interest in her community and county organizations. For instance, she was a member of the Civic League...Cosmos Club...received a 50 year Rebekah pin...and was for many years a member of the Eastern Star.

Likewise, the Christian faith was an important ingredient in her living. This was expressed as she affiliated with the Bloomfield United Methodist Church and shared in its many activities and purposes. She was awarded a life membership in the United Methodist women a number of years ago in recognition of the tremendous interest and work she had given.

In recent years she had lived alone, then with the care of another person staying with her. Finally, for a short period she was at Friends Custodial Home and then at Bloomfield Manor where she died Wednesday, March 17, 1976, at the age of 91 years, two months and 19 days.

She preceded in death by her husband, Clarence E. in 1966 and her parents.

She is survived by her three children: Chris C. of Bloomfield, Iowa, Scott F. of Bloomfield, Iowa, Alice Marie (Mrs. Harold) Bianco of Mason City, Iowa. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Truly it can be said that one of the elderly familiar persons of the Davis County community will be missed.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 20, 1976, at the Wagler Funeral Home, Bloomfield, Iowa, conducted by the Rev. Galen Peckham. Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery, Bloomfield, Iowa.

Source: "The Hazel Stanford Obituary Collection", Pg. 188, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA