John C. Wagenknecht

John C. Wagenknecht never met a stranger. He couldn’t help it. He always found good in every person he encountered on life’s journey. To provide exercise after an early heart attack, from age 50-77, John roller skated several times every week. John raised an entire generation of young people as “Pops” at the roller skating rink. He taught many a young person to skate backward or how to spin.

John loved greeting customers and tearing tickets at the Galaxy Cinemas. With an ever-present smile and a kind word, he made just walking into the theater and saying hello part of the joy of going to the movies.

John came from a time where duty, loyalty, and honor were not just a slogan, but how you were expected to live your life. His country called him to military service three times. After WWII he served as one of six personal guards to the Japanese emperor. John used to say it was because he had the shiniest shoes. That attention to small details shouldn’t surprise any of us.

He wooed the love of his life, Margie Ghosen, on a Harley Davidson with Johnny emblazoned on the motorcycle windshield. He’d cruise by the Uptown Theater where Margie sold tickets. They courted for five years and were married at Calvary Episcopal Church in 1952. They celebrated 65 years of marriage this past September 27th.

John was also a proud member of the Masons starting at age 21. People of good character were always appealing to John.

John was a member of and faithfully attended Calvary Episcopal Church for 65 years. He cared for that community and thought of them as part of his extended family.

Perhaps, more than anything, John was a farmer. Like his dad and like his grandfather. Just being on the tractor made the land better and him happier.

Raising crops made him feel connected to the earth and the world. One of his proud moments was his son Drew taking over the family farming business.

Farming helped John take life’s challenges with stoicism and grace. It didn’t matter what happened. Interest rates go to 18%. A tornado takes the silos. Cancer attacking his body. Ask him how he was doing, and he would always say, “Oh, I’m doing all right.” And he meant it. He cared more about you and talking about you, than talking about himself.

John loved the communities of Smithton, Sedalia and Pettis County. He was raised here. With the exception of three tours of duty, he lived, worked and raised his family here. He was born April 5, 1927, and passed away Saturday, November 4, 2017, in his home from cancer.

John is survived by his wife, Margie G. Wagenknecht; son, Drew Wagenknecht, of Smithton; daughter, Janie (David) Dunn-Rankin, of Venice, FL; granddaughters, Sarah Dunn-Rankin, of Sunnyvale, CA, and Rachel (Atticus) Frank, of Memphis, TN; sister-in-law, Patty Wagenknecht, of Smithton; and niece, Ann Wilson, of Knob Noster.

He was preceded in death by his son, Seth Wagenknecht; brother, Lynn Wagenknecht; his parents, Frances and Milliard Wagenknecht; and nephew, Bill Wagenknecht.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 10, at Calvary Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Anne Kyle, the Rev. Carl Siegel, and the Rev. Ted Francis officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors by the U.S. Army and VFW Post 2591.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Donations can be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, Sedalia, or to the charity of your choice in his memory.