Stella Wagner-Steen

Stella Mary Wagner-Steen, age 88, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Stella was born May 4, 1938, to Edwin and Philomena (Walerius) Busch. She was the oldest of five children. Stella attended the Catholic school and graduated from Belle Plaine high school in 1956.

It was during her school years that Stella found her first young love with Jerry Wagner. The two were married on May 25, 1957, and together they built a beautiful life and raised their two children, Kenny and Kerry. Stella and Jerry shared a love of travel and especially enjoyed traveling with family and friends. In their later years, they spent several winters in Florida, one of Stella’s favorite places.

Stella was a hard worker throughout her life and held many different jobs, including positions at the plastic plant, the pickle factory, Daly Accounting, J&W Asphalt, and Our Lady of the Prairie.

When Stella wasn’t working, she could often be found in her flower gardens or caring for her beautiful lawn. She took great pride in her flowers and yard, and many summer days were happily spent outdoors, tending to them.

After Jerry passed away in 1996, Stella was fortunate to find love again. She married Bud Steen in 2003. Stella and Bud spent their time traveling, with family, and enjoying life together.

Stella will be lovingly remembered by her children, Ken (Kathy) Wagner, Kerry (Wayne) Koepp; her grandchildren, Mike (Missy) Wagner, Tony Wagner, Sarah (Aaron) Leonard, Kayla (Nate) Heinz, Becky (Josh) Vos; 13 great-grandchildren; her sisters and sister-in-law, Lucy (Dick) Shannon, Mary Lou (Frank) Centolella, Carol Toth, and Lois Busch. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Busch.

Through her marriage with Bud, Stella was blessed with a large and loving bonus family, including Cheryl (Dan), Deb (Paul), Janet (Tom), Mark and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Prairie in Belle Plaine on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:30a.m. Visitation will be from 4-6p.m. on Sunday at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and continue at the church one hour prior to Mass on Monday.

Stella will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her loving spirit, devotion to family, and enjoyment of travel and time spent with others will remain in the hearts of her family and friends.