Janice Wagner

Janice Wagner, 86, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on August 28, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. She was born on January 7, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois.

Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who built her life around her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by the people she loved. She was especially proud of the beautiful family that grew around her over the years, including her 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and the time she spent with her family was among her greatest joys.

Throughout her life, Jan took on many roles, both at home and in the workplace. She worked as a car hop, later as a secretary at Steel Corp, and went on to serve as office manager of the Daily News. No matter where life took her, however, her most treasured roles were always those of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She created a family filled with love, traditions, laughter, and memories that will continue for generations.

Jan also knew how to enjoy life. She loved musicals and Disney movies, greatly enjoyed bowling and even crocheting, and had a special love for Christmas and all the traditions that came with it. She collected porcelain dolls and clowns, and she even had an adventurous side—she drove stock cars. Her many interests were part of what made Jan uniquely Jan and gave her family countless stories and memories to hold onto.

Jan was of the Lutheran faith and will be remembered for her caring nature, her love for her family, and the many ways she made the people around her feel loved.

Jan is survived by her daughter, Pam Pistole and her husband, Gary, of Babson Park; her daughter, Teri Brescia and her husband, Scott, of Babson Park; her son, Ed Wagner and his wife, Karen, of Longmont, Colorado; and her son, Bob Wagner and his wife, Amy, of Winter Haven. She also leaves behind her 12 beloved grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who brought immeasurable happiness to her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Wagner; her parents, Daniel Van Eck and Elsie Vera Margareta Asp; and her two brothers, Jack Van Eck and Terry Van Eck.

Jan leaves behind much more than the story of one life. She leaves behind generations of a family she helped create; traditions that will continue because of her, stories that will be told again and again, and countless memories made over a lifetime of loving the people around her.

Her family will miss her presence, her caring nature, and all the little things that made her who she was. But pieces of Jan will remain with them—in Christmas traditions, favorite movies and musicals, family gatherings, familiar stories, and in the love shared among the generations that came after her.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Her family will carry her love and her memory with them always.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jan will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pistole family home in Babson Park, Florida, where family and friends will gather to remember, share stories, and celebrate a life that touched so many.