Fred L. Wagner, 81, of Rochester, Minn., died on Dec. 2, 2014 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Fred LeRoy Wagner was born on July 4, 1933, to Fred S. and Marion Badman Wagner in Eau Claire, Wis. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1951. On Aug. 14, 1954, he married Marlys Sherman. Fred received a bachelor of arts degree at St. Olaf College in 1955 and then attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, receiving a degree in teaching. Fred taught Latin in Black River Falls, Wis. for 11 years. He left teaching to pursue a career in labor relations and personnel in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1978, Fred became the Director of Labor Relations and Personal in Rochester. He was a member and past president of the Minnesota Public Employee Labor Relations Association, and served as a member of the National Board. Fred was a Rotarian for many years, and the United Way Board. He was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester and served as president for two years. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Marlys; three daughters, Cynthia Nichols, Ann Petersen and husband David, and Karoline Gittus and husband Gregg; six grandchildren, Jeremie Nichols and wife Kristi, Derek and Zachary Petersen, Grant and Evan Gittus, and Lindsay Doland and husband Nick; four great-granddaughters; special family friends, Dan Nichols and Sue Balsamo; sister, Linda Brophy; and brother-in-law, Dale Sherman and wife Ardy. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marion Wagner; granddaughter, Dagmar Petersen; brother-in-law, Paul Brophy; sister-in-law, Lois DeRusha and husband Gene; and niece, Mary DeRusha.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bear Creek Services, Lupus Foundation, or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.