George Henry Wangsness, Jr., age 66, of Wells, MN, died Sunday, May 3, 2015, at St Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN following a courageous battle with lung disease. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 7, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Community Lutheran Church in Geneva, MN. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, MN, and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN, and Pr. Kristen Venne will officiate. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home of Wells is in charge of arrangements. Please see www.brussheitner.com to leave online condolences.
George Henry Wangsness, Jr. was born August 2, 1948, in Albert Lea, MN, the son of George Sr. and Charlyne (Horan) Wangsness. He was united in marriage to Naomi Crabtree on April 14, 1969. The couple later divorced. He honorably served our country in the United States Army from 1968–1970. George worked at Hi-yield in Hartland and Alden for many years, until his retirement in August of 2013. George enjoyed farming, and watching NASCAR races and Westerns. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.George is survived by his significant other Kari Johnson of Wells, MN; children, Tina (James) Hagen of Geneva, MN, Heidi Wangsness of Geneva, MN, and Ryan Wangsness (Lisa Reese and her daughter Marnie) of Blooming Prarie, MN; grandchildren Brittni, Brenna and Carter Hagen, Hunter and Maverick Knutson, and Emmit Haroldson; siblings Roger (Karen) Wangsness of Lake Mills, IA, and Ronald Wangsness of Lake Mills, IA; Kari’s mother, Janice Johnson of Alden, MN; Kari’s siblings: Kris (Steve) Schultz of Albert Lea, MN, Kelly (Wayne) Claire of Rochester, MN, and their family Ethan, Kyleigh and Tyler; Katie (Brad) Boettcher of Mankato, MN and their family Ashlyn and Drew.
George is preceded in death by his parents; son in infancy, Eric; and Kari’s father, Jerry Johnson.