Jean Wagner

Laura Jean Wagner, age 98, of West Lafayette, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Westminster Village. She was born March 31, 1928 in Cottondale, Florida to the late Levy J. and Mattie B. (Locke) Eldridge.

At a very early age, Jean had the ability to play the piano by ear and eventually learned to read music. She played the piano for many school and civic events. Jean was an organist for eight years for the early church service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette where she was a member for over sixty years. She also loved to sing and enjoyed participating in the church choir. Music brought Jean and those around her that were listening to her sing or play the piano a great deal of joy. To keep her fingers nimble, Jean continued to play and practice the piano almost every day.

Graduating from Cottondale High School in 1946 and then attending Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, Jean graduated from college in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. Her first job following college was teaching at Marianna High School in Marianna, Florida and later at Jinks Junior High School in Panama City, Florida.

While in Panama City, Jean met the love of her life James (Jim) Jay Wagner who was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base. Jim and Jean met singing in the choir at the First Baptist Church in Panama City. They were married in Cottondale, Florida on March 29, 1955. From there they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana for a year, then to Lafayette, Indiana where they raised their family. Together, they shared 70 beautiful years of marriage which is an inspiration to all who knew them.

While living in Lafayette, Jean taught business subjects for eight years at Indiana Vocational Technical College. Following her work at Ivy Tech, she started working for the 4-H Department at Purdue University and retired in 1992. These work experiences provided Jean with many opportunities to make new and lasting friendships as well as to encourage and assist others to learn and grow to their fullest potential.

Jean had several other interests that she enjoyed over the years. Gathering with family and friends was always a highlight. Celebrating Christmas was especially at the top of her list. It was a time when Jean's heart shone brightest. She filled the season with warmth, joy and countless traditions that will live on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home was always alive with laughter and the delicious aroma of homemade treats. Her pecan pie was a favorite of everyone. Jean's legacy of love, family and faith will forever be a part of everything that she made so magical. She also loved antiquing and acquired many beautiful and cherished collectibles throughout her adulthood. Jean enjoyed the fun and challenge of playing bridge with her friends for many years. These experiences and pastimes brought Jean a great deal of happiness.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Jim; her parents, Levy and Mattie Eldridge; six siblings: Buel Eldridge, Evelyn Runkle, Joe Eldridge, Madge Hinson, Mavis Todd, and Doris Dobyns; and a niece Janice Hinson. She loved them all very much.

She is survived by her children: Diane L. Wagner Ulrich (David) of Marietta, Georgia, and Samuel J. Wagner of Lafayette; her grandchildren: Christian J. Wagner (Chelsea) of Columbus, Indiana, Caleb S. Wagner (Michelle) of Lafayette, and Megan S. Ulrich Brent (Bobby) of Woodstock, Georgia; and great granddaughters: Julia Suzanne and Evelyn Jean Brent. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Asa Runkle, Dolly Upton, Jeanne Scott, Betty Larkin, Susan Dobyns, Martha Kennedy, Joe Eldridge, Barbara Eldridge, Linda Stees, and Bob Eldridge. Jean loved her family very much, and she was adored by all. Her memory will live on through every one of them.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm until the funeral service at 2:30 pm, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Burial will be at a later date in Fort Recovery, Ohio. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1005 North 21st Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47905. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is honored to serve the Wagner family. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com