Mary K. Wagoner Kline, 97, of Rochester passed away at 9:35 .m. Friday, May 4, 2018, at the Peabody Retirement Community of North Manchester.

On April 2, 1921, in Sheldon, Wisconsin, Mary Katherine Johnson was born. She was a treasured daughter of John and Beatrice Beck Johnson. Weighing in at only 2 pounds and 8 ounces little Mary was brought home in a shoe box. As one of nine of the Johnson children she shared her childhood with four brothers and four sisters. Her family moved to the North Liberty area where they spent their formative years.

In Rochester on Sept. 9, 1939, she married Robert Wilson Wagoner. Together they shared over 36 years of life’s adventures.  From their union came five wonderful children. Sadly, he passed away on May 30, 1976.   

With a strong work ethic, she embraced her life as a mother and wife on the farm. She and Bob annually planted a large garden. The bountiful harvest provided for winter’s use of over 300 quarts of tomatoes, green beans, peaches, pears and cherries. She took meticulous care of their home orchard thru the season. She assisted with milking their herd of 15 cows by hand and was delighted with making homemade butter. A summer favorite was hand-turned homemade ice cream on Sundays. She also raised and sold chickens. She was accomplished with handiwork, knitting and crocheting gifts of warmth for her family.

The adventure of travel, making memories with Bob especially with their trip to Niagara Falls. Visits to Yellowstone, Pike’s Peak and summer fishing trips to Minnesota were among her favorite destinations. After the passing of her husband Robert Wagoner, she met and married Robert Kline. They enjoyed many years together and especially wintering near Bradenton, Florida for several seasons.

Left to cherish her memory are a daughter Connie S. Houser of North Manchester; three sons Robert J. Wagoner, Richard G. Wagoner and wife Colleen, James D. Wagoner and wife Carolyn all of Rochester,  nien grandchildren Rachelle Sorg and husband Keith, Stacy Wagoner and wife Heather, Richard Wagoner and wife Shelly,  Michael Houser, Jim Wagoner and wife Tara, Jami Johnson and husband Eric, Jeffrey Wagoner, Thomas Wagoner and Lucas Wagoner, 18 great-grandchildren: Payton Sorg, Leah Sorg, Hallie Sorg, Madison Sorg, Krysten Wagoner, Hannah Wagoner, Morganne Wagoner, Alivia Wagoner, twins; Evan and Eli Wagoner, Courtney Houser, Ethan Houser, Connor Wagoner, Carson Wagoner, Davis Wagoner, Cameron Johnson, Cade Johnson and Shelby Wagoner.

Preceding her in death are her parents, John and Beatrice Johnson; husbands Robert W. Wagoner, Robert Kline, a son Thomas J. Wagoner, one grandson  John Houser,  a great-grandson Caleb Wagoner,  four sisters; Daisy Doan, Marge Thomas, Mabel Haines, Jenny Bryant, the four Johnson brothers Harry, Wayne, Worth and Lewis,  a daughter-in-law Rose Wagoner and son-in-law Gary Houser

A private graveside service celebrating the life of Mary K. Wagoner Kline will be held at Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Pastor Bob Metzger will officiate.  The Good Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.