Janet E Wagner, 75, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 19, 1950 to Harold and Elizabeth (Gaeth) Peterson in Fremont, Ohio. Due to the unfortunate circumstances of her parents passing away before she was the age of 10, Janet and her siblings were then adopted and raised by Karol and Lou Ella Reese. On January 8, 1972, she married Terry Wagner who survives. Janet was a Defiance College Graduate and after raising her family with her husband, she returned to Bowling Green State University to obtain her Master's Degree in Special Education.

She was a member of St Michael Catholic Church. Her faith was important to her and she was very active in the parish serving as a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector. Janet was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes Football team. She enjoyed cross stitch, knitting, sewing as well as other arts and crafts. Janet was a very giving person and enjoyed giving away gifts, especially to veterans.

Janet is survived by her loving spouse, Terry; sons, Thomas Wagner and Jasen (Jess) Wagner as well as a granddaughter, Janessa (Logan) McDermott. She is also survived by her siblings, David "Big D" Peterson, Pat Puchalski, Betty (Bob) Kusmer, Nancy Peora, and Kathy (Scott) McCord.

She was preceded in death by both sets of parents and her brother, David "Little D" Reese.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at St Michael Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:30am with Fr. Melwn D'Souza officiating.

Burial will take place in the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the St Michael Catholic Church or the Donor's Choice.