Helen Mary Wagner

Helen Mary  Wagner, 101 of Aitkin died Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Vitality – Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.  She was born June 5, 1925 in Bemidji the daughter of Paul and Molly (Whalen) Howe.  She graduated from Bemidji High School and earned her teaching degree  from Bemidji State University.  Helen Mary was united in marriage to Jack Wagner in 1948 in Bemidji.  She taught English at Aitkin High School until starting a family,  at which time she began working as a substitute teacher.  Helen Mary was very social, enjoying time with her family and friends, playing cards and golfing. She was an avid reader and volunteered her time to many, including “Friends of the Aitkin Public Library and the Jaques Arts Center in Aitkin.  She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Molly Howe, husband Jack Wagner in 1987, brother Bill Howe, sons-in-law: Jim Thompson and Dennis Thompson.  Helen Mary is survived by her 6 children: Diane Thompson of West Des Moines, IA, Debbie Thompson of Owatonna, Janet (John) Isaacson of Burnsville, Ross (Vicki) Wagner of Aitkin, Todd (Lorri) Wagner of Champlin, Paul Wagner (Janice) of Preston;  8 grandchildren: Jennifer (Steve) Noto, Jessica (Brad) Aschbrenner, Jeremy (Shae) Thompson, Brooks Thompson (Brian Brenner), D.J. Thompson, Stephanie Isaacson (Jeff Oliver), Ben Isaacson, Derek (Erin) Wagner; 14 great-grandchildren;

2 brothers: Kent (Marilyn) Howe, Kevin (Mary Ann) Howe; Many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who mourn her passing. 

Memorials are preferred to: Friends of the Aitkin Public Library or Jaques Art Center in Aitkin

Funeral Mass will be  11:00am – Friday, September 25, 2026 at Saint James Catholic Church in Aitkin.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Aitkin.  A special thank you to the staff at Vitality Living and Moments Hospice for their kindness, compassion and care.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  to leave a message of condolence please go to www.srtfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Mary Wagner, please visit our floral store.