Nellis Jan Wagner, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024. He is survived by children Ken (Jill) Wagner, Bob (Sandy) Wagner, and Jeanne (Pat) Kellner; grandchildren Marc (Emily), Matthew (Carly), Erin (Jude), Ben, Samantha (Brent), Carlyn(A.J.), Alyson (Cameron) and Madelyn; great-grandchildren Jack, Olivia, Lucy, Eli, Rory, Jensen, and Easton; in-laws Norma Wagner and Dr. Gordon and Mary Lou Hondorp, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Carol Hondorp Wagner and his brother George Wagner.
Jan was born December 6, 1934, to Nellis and Pearl (Reininga) Wagner. Following graduation from Chicago Christian High, he went on to Hope College where he met the love of his life, Carol. They married in 1958. After Carol graduated the following year, they settled in Chicago allowing Jan to run the family lumber and hardware business, C.C. Wagner & Company. He grew the business by doubling the Chicago footprint and adding a new location in LaSalle, IL. Jan also became actively involved in the lumber trade, joining Hardware Wholesalers Incorporated’s board (today’s Do-It brand) and the Illinois Lumber and Material Dealer’s Association board. He served as president there for three years and was named Lumberman of the Year in 2000.
Certainly, business was an important part of Jan’s life, but he was equally committed to his faith as a member of the Reformed Church in America. Jan was known to repeatedly help those in need whether through the church, the community or in his business. He supported mission work in Holland, Chicago, Arizona, and Africa, established educational funding for students at Western Seminary and Fifth Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, and served on Reformed Church boards,consistories, and committees throughout his life.
Along with Jan’s commitment to his faith was his commitment to family. He taught by example; kindhearted, sincere, caring, thoughtful, honest and fun – always intentional about character building, instilling confidence, and supporting his children and grandchildren’s dreams – a genuine model for his family to follow.
After living in Chicago for over 60 years, Jan and Carol chose to retire in Holland in 2005. Retirement meant living close to Lake Michigan during the warm months and in Green Valley, Arizona during the cold months, surrounded by family, many close friends and plenty of golf, a pastime he enjoyed until short months before his passing.
He has left an indelible example for his family to follow, one that will be deeply missed and not forgotten.
“Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art.”
A visitation from 9:30-11:00am and memorial service at 11:00am will be held at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 West Lakewood Blvd. in Holland, Michigan on Friday, April 26, 2024. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Holland, Resthaven, or Empowering Lives International.
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