Kathleen “Katie or Kathy” Leona Bessie Wagner, age 81 of Oldenburg, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Ripley Crossing in Milan, Indiana. Born July 12, 1944, in Batesville, Indiana, she is the daughter of John and Stella (Nee: Dwenger) Tekulve. Kathleen married Russell “Buddy” Wagner on September 7, 1963, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville, Indiana and he preceded her in death on April 27, 2025.
Kathleen was a life-long member of St. Louis Catholic Church and worked in the Sewing Department at the Batesville Casket Company for 38 years, before retiring.
Kathleen loved to exercise and taking walks was one of her favorite activities. She enjoyed going on shopping excursions, camping trips, and spending time in the kitchen baking, with pies and zucchini bread being family favorites. Her true passion though was spending time with her family.
Kathleen is survived by her son Daniel M. Wagner and daughter Sandra K. (Robert) Short, all of Batesville; twin sister Marlene Buening of Greensburg, Indiana; brother-in-law Bob Taylor of Oldenburg; grandchildren Robbie (Kathy) Short of Osgood, Indiana and Ashley (David) Pickett of Holton, Indiana; great grandchildren Rylee and Harper Pickett, and Chase Short, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Kathleen was preceded in death by her sisters Mary Taylor and Virginia “Ginny” Bruns; brother Ronald “Bucky” Tekulve; brother-in-law Steve Buening and infant great grandson Ralphie Pickett.
Visitation is Thursday, March 12th, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 p.m., with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 16th, at St. Louis Cemetery in Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to any local Alzheimer/Dementia organization of the donor’s choice. For online condolences, please go to www.weigelfh.com.