Claudette Wagner, 80, died Monday, January 11, 2021, at Arbor Spring Care Center in West Des Moines, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m., Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Brooks South Town Chapel at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Her graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Claudette Susan was born on January 18, 1940, in Des Moines, to Silvio and Catherine Milani of Madrid. She was a graduate of Madrid Community High School and the American Institute of Business (AIB). She retired from Principal Financial as an executive assistant in 2006, after 46 years of service.
On April 4, 1978, she was united in marriage to Harlan (Hans) Wagner at St.. Augustine Catholic Church in Des Moines. They made their home in Des Moines, but made bi-weekly trips to Madrid to visit her parents and other family members.
Claudette was an active member of Christ the King Church on SW 9th. She spent decades cleaning the church after Sunday services, and in her later years, hand washed the garments worn by the clergy. Living her faith is something that she did on a daily basis, and she would always be in the front row for 5:00 p.m. services on Saturday.
Claudette’s guilty pleasure was shopping! Joseph’s Jewelers and Younkers were two of her favorite downtown haunts, and Josephs probably took a big hit when Claudette retired! She loved showing off her fur coats and jewelry, and after she retired, she found QVC, so she didn’t even have to leave home to order her baubles!
Survivors include her brother, Frank Milani, Sr. of Madrid, seven nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
Claudette was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Memorials in Claudette’s name can be made to Christ The King Daycare on SW 9th in Des Moines. She loved visiting the children!
