Carol J. Wagner

Carol Jean Wagner, 81, of Rockford passed away peacefully and was reunited love of her life, Lyle Newton Wagner on Monday, August 14, 2023. 

She was born April 1942, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Cecelia (Christianson) In 1964, while attending the University of Illinois, Chicago, she met Lyle. The two married in 1965, in Waukegan. She proudly worked as a nurse and served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. She later worked as a nursing instructor at Rock Valley College for many years until her retirement. She touched so many people's lives throughout her career. Carol enjoyed traveling,  playing Bridge, and spending time with her family. She spent the last few years of her life living at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. She had a smile that lit up the room, and she loved spending time talking with the amazing staff who became a loving part of her family. Above all else, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Her family always came first, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. 

She is survived by her daughters, Kristin (Kenneth) Reiter and Amy (Scott) Nystrom; grandchildren, twins, Claudia and Madeleine Reiter and Eric and Julia Nystrom; sister Joan (Homer Max) Lee; nephews Andy (Kristen) Lee, Derek (Monica) Lee, niece Anna Marie Fennel; nephews, Paul Fennel, Michael Fennel, Bert Fennel and John Fennel; sister-in-law Linda (Bill) Trosper, and niece Laura (Dan) Schweitzer. Predeceased by her loving husband Lyle, sister Elaine Fennel and her parents.

Special thanks to the loving and caring staff at Fairhaven Christian Retirement for the care you took of Carol over the past few years. Also, special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice for your care and guidance during this difficult time. 

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 10:30 a.m.. Private family burial to follow. 

In lieu of flowers,  memorials may be made to Rock Valley College School of Nursing, Fairhaven Christian Retirement, or  Northern Illinois Hospice in her name are appreciated.