Joel Wagner

Joel Jonathan Wagner, 3 years old, born to David and Christina (Tina) Wagner on November 18, 2004, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 15th, 2008 at University of Minnesota Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joel was diagnosed with a rare blood disease known as Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis X at six months old. He began chemotherapy on his nine month birthday. On August 2, 2007 Joel received a successful bone marrow transplant. Complications of a respiratory virus brought Joel and his family from the Ronald McDonald House back to the University Children's Hospital where they spent his final days.

Joel's ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges touched not only those who surrounded him, but also thousands of people throughout the world who embraced Joel's journey through his Caringbridge website. www.caringbridge.org/visit/joelwagner

Joel loved singing worship music, especially "Ho-Ho-Ho- Hosanna" and "Jesus Loves Me." He also loved to pray and often asked to be prayed for, or to pray for others who were hurting. Joel often made sign language for "Jesus" although no one ever taught him how to do this. John 14:26, ".the Holy Spirit, "will teach you all things"."

He loved the colors "bue" (blue) and "o" (orange), the kittens his dad snuck into his hospital room, "batball" (basketball), painting, and his many chapsticks. Most of all Joel loved visits from his brothers, sisters and cousins and being cuddled by Mom and Dad, who rarely left his side. Their Faith in Jesus Christ remains an inspiration globally.

He will be dearly missed by all of his special caregivers at Minneapolis Children's and University of Minnesota Children's Hospitals. His family remains grateful for the love, prayer, and care of his many caregivers.

Joel is survived by his loving and faith-filled parents, Dave and Tina Wagner of LeSueur, Minnesota; his seven siblings: sisters, Hannah, Juliana, and Whitney; brothers, Andrew, Jacob, Thomas, and Luke; paternal grandparents LeRoy and Elaine Wagner; maternal grandfather, (Opa) Dr. William Engel and his wife, Susan. Joel was greeted in Heaven by his maternal grandmother, Ursula Engel (Oma).

Visitation hours will be held Friday, February 22, 2008, from 4-8 pm at Jesus Assembly of God Church, 722 Sunrise Drive, St. Peter, MN. Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 1:00 pm at Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN. Private burial at Mound Cemetery in Le Sueur, Minnesota.

Watch for further notices on the Caringbridge website.

Memorials preferred to: David and Tina Wagner, 33678 336th St, Le Sueur, MN 56058