Hon. Judge George Gardner Fagg
July 14, 2015
Hon. Judge George Gardner Fagg
Johnston
George G. Fagg, 81, passed away on July 14, 2015, at his home in Johnston, Iowa. He was born April 30, 1934, in Eldora, Iowa, to Ned and Arleene Fagg.
George was united in marriage to Jane Elizabeth Wood on August 19, 1956, the same year he received a B.A. from Drake University. He then received a J.D. from Drake University Law School in 1958. After practicing law in Marshalltown, Iowa from 1958 to 1972, he was appointed to the Iowa state district court bench in the 2nd Judicial District, where he served from 1972 to 1982.
George was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 to a seat on the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, where he served until July 2006.
George was an avid reader and sports enthusiast. He loved traveling to Clear Lake with his wife, spending time with his family, and spoiling his beloved miniature dachshund Bogey.
George is survived by his children, Martha Fagg, Tom (Rochelle) Fagg, Ned (Christine) Fagg, Susan Fagg, George (Debra) Gardner, and Sarah (Mick) Wencil; and his grandchildren, Marissa (Sergio), Alyssa, Johnathon, Stephen, Thomas, Blake, Blaine, Courtney, Tyler, Benjamin, Morgan, and Emily. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 ½ years, Jane.
Per his wishes, no public services are being held and inurnment will take place at Eldora Cemetery at a later time.
Memorial contributions will be received by his family and designated to various landscaping projects in the Johnston area.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jerry Kielsmeier
07/31/2015
Just a week ago someone phoned me to tell me that Judge Fagg had passed. My parents, Marlyn and Maxine Kielsmeier, rented farmland that was owned by the Fagg family in Buckeye Township in Hardin County. Now my brother, Jeff, rents that land. My parents thought the very best of the Fagg family and enjoyed working with and dealing with Arleene and Ned Fagg, and brother Jeff thinks the same about George. I, too, had some visits over the years with Arleene and some phone calls with George about the farm and it was easy to understand that George was about the most honest man that you'd ever meet. Jerry Kielsmeier, Johnston, Iowa
Dick Lyford
07/20/2015
Of the judge's family I only know Martha. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your father. After considerable coaxing he agreed to do his oral history. Judge David Hansen was the interviewer. Together they had some chemistry going and the oral history went well. I hope all of the family has it available. It can be viewed at the eighth circuit website. I learned a lot about him and his remarkable career. You can all be proud of him and his career. Regards, Dick Lyford.
Elizabeth Heiden
07/18/2015
My late husband Charlie and I met George and Jane when they moved to Marshalltown in the '50's. We were members of an adult group at the First United Methodist Church. George was also our private attorney, and we had the utmost respect for him.
Jeff Heiden
07/18/2015
Tom and Martha,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We lost our Dad two years ago. I am sure you have many good memories of your father.
I was a lifeguard with both of you at the Marshallton swimming pools, as was my brother Dave Heiden.
Woody and Linda Wittrock
07/18/2015
Sending our sincere sympathies to all in your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Woody and Linda Wittrock
Myrna Prange
07/17/2015
Fagg families,
Sorry to hear of your fathers passing. May God give you added strength at this time.
Myrna M Prange
Barb Hering
07/17/2015
I was incredibly fortunate to begin my career after law school under the watchful (twinkly) eye of Judge Fagg as one his "lawyers" from 1986-1989. During those years, all of his law clerks of course learned much about the law. We also learned about so many other things--the value of hard work (it was impossible to beat him to the office in the morning), the importance of honesty and integrity in one's daily life, and the signficance of treating each and every person we encountered with respect. This was so even if (and perhaps especially when) we might disagree with them. To his family, you have my sincere sympathies. He will be missed.
Bruce Walker
07/17/2015
On behalf of the members of the Iowa State Bar Association, I wish to express our condolences to you for the loss of a dedicated public servant. His long time work on the bench should be an inspiration to all those that aspire to serve the public.
Pamela Epp Olsen
07/16/2015
I had the extraordinary privilege of serving as one of Judge Fagg's law clerks from 1998-2000 and count that time as one of deep professional growth due entirely to all I learned from Judge Fagg. I valued him deeply as a mentor, colleague, and eventually friend. Please know that I am praying for each of you as you grieve and that I grieve with you. I will miss him. With my deepest sympathies, Pamela (Epp) Olsen
Angela Emerson
07/16/2015
To many, he was known as Judge Fagg, but he was good ole George to me. I will miss his conversations, his quick humor, his jokes, and his stories of the past. Boy!! Could he ever tell a story! To his children, he spoke of you all often & frequently. He was so proud of you. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us. He blessed my life with his friendship and he will be remembered often.
Hon. Myron H. Bright
07/16/2015
To the Family of Judge George Fagg, Judge Fagg and I were good friends in his court years and continuing after his retirement. He was a good judge and a fine person. George was a very hard worker. I will miss him. I send my condolences.
The Vietor Family
07/16/2015
Our thoughts and understanding are with all of you,
Hal, Dalia and Greta Vietor
JoEllen Watts
07/16/2015
It is with great sadness that I learn of Judge Fagg's passing. It was an absolute privilege to have known and worked with him. The word "Honorable" truly belongs in front of his name. I'll always remember that sparkle in his eyes when he had something clever to say. My sincere condolences are given to the Fagg family.
Kelli Nelson
07/16/2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you.