Claire J. Wagner, age 88, a resident of Marinette, and formerly of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center.

Claire was born on April 14, 1929 in Algoma to the late Austin and Nora (LeCloux) Gilson. She graduated from Algoma High School with the class of 1947. On November 8, 1947, Claire married Jerome J. Wagner Sr. in Algoma. He preceded her in death on August 29, 1977. Claire resided in Marshfield from 1948 to 1952, in Manitowoc from 1952 to 1973, in Marinette from 1973 until August of 2017, and then returned to Manitowoc at Laurel Grove Assisted Living. Claire was a housewife and stay-at-home mom. Like many women at that time, she was the domestic engineer that did it all. She was a wonderful cook and baker, sewed clothing, painted all surfaces inside and out, and kept up the yard-work. In 1977, Claire returned to the workforce after the death of her husband, Jerome. She worked for Lauerman's Department Store, Marinette, managing the shoe department. After the store closed, she joined the work team at PJ's Hallmark Store, working as a clerk and at one point as store manager until her retirement. Claire liked to dance when her knees cooperated and was an avid reader. She loved playing baseball darts on Sunday afternoons and had the trophies to prove it. Some of her best times in later years were with her dart ball teammates and her buddy, Darryl Gannigan.

Claire is survived by her two children, Gail Terry and Jerome "Jerry" (Barb) Wagner, Jr., all of Manitowoc. Also surviving are her grandsons and their families: Keith (Kelly) Terry and their children, Addison and Autumn Terry, Menomonee Falls; and Jason (Krystle) Terry and their son Bennett Terry, Oconto Falls; sister-in-law, Barb Koch, Marinette; also other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Herbert "Cookie" Koch; husband, Jerome; two brothers, Douglas Koch and also his infant twin; sister and brother-in-law, Laurabelle and Don Ross; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2735 Taylor Street in Marinette. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Celestine Byekwaso. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from noon until the time of the Mass at 1 p.m.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, WI 54220 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Claire's family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Marinette Aurora and Baycare, especially Dr. Halaweh, nurses Nicky, Patty and Lisa; at Manitowoc Laurel Grove Assisted Living, especially Theresa, Laura and Jessica; Holy Family Memorial Emergency, Medical and Hospice department staff, especially Dr. Lynn Baatz, and nurses Tanya and Nicole.