Roberta "Bert" Wagner

Roberta “Bert” Wagner, age 84, passed away on November 22nd with her family by her side.

Bert was born in What Cheer, Iowa to Elmer and Rozale (Sypherd) Wagner. Bert had a career with Principle Financial Group that she had retired from, only to start another career spanning 20+ years at the Iowa State Fair and working as an usher at the Civic Center and occasionally the Temple Theater.

For Bert, food and cooking were very important. She would make everyone’s favorite desserts for holiday events and even surprise people occasionally with treats. From pies, cookies, cakes, her most famous Death by Chocolate and Christmas cinnamon rolls, Bert showed her love with the food she made. She especially loved cooking with her grandchildren. Passing the love of food down meant a great deal to her.

Bert was also an avid fan of motorsports, attending many NHRA races over the years. She loved to watch the races from the stands and then go down into the pits to meet the racers. She was also a huge fan of NASCAR and was even able to fulfill her dream of riding along in one. You’d never expect it but Bert had a need for speed.

She also enjoyed sitting down with a jigsaw puzzle and watching out of her window for the many birds that she enjoyed to feed.

Bert is survived by her sons, Mike (Kris) Wagner and Earl (Amy) Faith; her grandchildren Bryce (Shanda) Wagner, Cayden Faith; her great grandchildren, Adalie Wagner, Nirvana Kasper and Damian Kasper; and her sister Mary (Dave) Garrison. She will also be remembered by a host of near and dear friends that she made along the way.

Bert was preceded in death by her parents Elmer Wagner and Rozale (Sypherd) Wagner; and her brother Larry Wagner.

In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 6567 Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320 on January 17th, 2026 from 12:30 to 5:30. Please come and share some of your favorite moments with her family and friends.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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