Leona "Lee" Wagner

Leona (Lee) Zubik Wagner 
March 3, 1926 - May 20, 2026

Leona “Lee” Loretta Zubik Wagner, 100, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026.  Born in Michigan City Indiana, on March 3, 1926 the middle of three children she was born to polish immigrants; Henry and Genevieve “Eugenia“ Zubik.  She and her two brothers, Benedict (Benny) and Joseph (John) were proud first-generation Americans. She graduated from St. Stanislaus Catholic School in 1940 and Michigan City Elston Senior High in 1944.  Upon graduation she began working as a stenographer for Joy Manufacturing and later at the Indiana State Prison.  She worked for five years as a Billing Operator for CA Dunham Co.  The job she loved and spoke often of, was her time from 1955 to 1983 at NIPSCO as a Secretary to the Manager.  She retired from NIPSCO in 1983, at the young age of 57 and never worked again; enjoying family, friends, dancing, the occasional trip to the Casino and worship.  In Michigan City on June 18, 1949 Leona married Wilbur “Will” Wagner, who preceded in death on March 31, 2002.  The two loved to Polka dance and traveled often to South Bend or Chicago to partake in the night life.   Leona was a member of the St. Stanislaus Consolation Choir, St Stanislaus Rosary Society, Young at Heart group and the Michigan City Senior Center.

After the loss of her longtime close friend, Ted Yagelski, Leona moved to live out her final days with her daughter Kristine (Kristie) and son-in-law, Martin Wright in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Kristie served as Leona’s Caregiver; being lovingly by her side every day ensuring her comfort and care. 

Leona is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Genevieve Zubik, husband Wilbur Wagner, and brothers Benny and John Zubik.  She survived by her son, John Wagner and daughter-in-law Brenda, and daughter Kristine and her husband Martin Wright.  Also surviving are step grandchildren Jason (Lisa) Heddens, and Justin Heddens.  Also surviving are step great-grandchildren, Conner and Coltin Heddens, and Paxton Deutscher.

Visitation will be Monday, June 1, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and Tuesday from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.  The St. Stanislaus Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at 4:00 PM on Monday in the Funeral Chapel.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on June 2, 2026 at St Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington St., in Michigan City, Indiana Rev. Walter Ciesla officiating.  Entombment  will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery Mausoleum.  Mass will be sung by the Consolation Choir.  

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Stanislaus General Renovation fund, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.

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