Pamela A. Wagner

Pamela Ann Wagner, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in Kewaunee, Wisconsin at the age of 68. She was born in Hammond, Indiana, to the late Elaine (Olson) Holmes-Jelinek and John Holmes Sr. They lived in Aurora, Illinois until moving to Kewaunee in 1968.

Pam was a hardworking entrepreneur who broke barriers in male-dominated fields. She raised her family before she graduated from NWTC in Diesel Mechanics, She owned and operated dump trucks and semis, and worked on vehicles. She ran Pam Wagner Trucking coordinating over the road and dump truck operations. She also worked for Dale’s True Value and Brother’s Dairy for many years.

In addition to her everyday work, Pam ran her own private tax business servicing multiple local businesses and individuals where she was known for her sharp mind and dedication.

It was during her time working at Lemens Hardware where she met her boyfriend, Lonnie. Her career included key roles at Riverview Transfer and Blue Water Services, working closely with John Mastalair. She was known as the “go-to” person for operations.

One of her goals in retirement was to own an antique store. With Pam's guidance, her son, Dustin, and his girlfriend, Heather, they were able to open the Dusty Attic and fulfill her dream.

Her legacy is one of love, strength, and resilience. She was deeply devoted to her family, always offering guidance, comfort, and support. She worked tirelessly to provide for them even through hardship. Her grit, grace, and unwavering spirit will live on in those who knew and loved her.

She loved to read and learn new things. Her love of learning made her a wealth of knowledge for just about any question you could think of whether it be car maintenance, home repair, antiquing, or just life in general. She had the gift of gab and was the queen of the midwest good-bye.

In her final days, Pam was surrounded by love from family and the community. She was deeply moved with the “Last Ride” with the Kruisers Car Club, where she was a proud member and volunteer. Her contribution to the club came from the heart, with hopes to lift up someone in need, just as she had once been.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Unity Hospice, especially Heather, Jenny, and Nathan. Pam also cherished her lifelong friends, Vicki Allshouse and Kathy Hlinak, who helped care for her in her final journey along with the family. Your selflessness, comfort, and care will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her loving partner, Lonnie Poore; her children, Ken (Gena) Vlies, and their children, Gage, Evan, Malayna; Dustin Vlies (girlfriend Heather), and his children, Kyan, Rhyah, Ryland; Jessica (Donny) Paral, and their children, Leigh Ann and Tyler; Laura Vlies, and her children, Elli and Addison; John Wagner, and his daughter Charlotte; and stepson Chris (Gloria) Moore, and their children, Bella and Luna; as well as by many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her stepfather, Leo Jelinek; and brothers, Stanley (Annie) Holmes (Tennessee) and Jimmy Holmes (Kewaunee) and Aunt Kathy Killingbeck.

She was preceded in death by the father of her children, Kenneth Vlies Sr and Vincent Wagner; her special friend Gene Jerovitz, her father John Holmes Sr, her mother, Elaine Holmes Jelinek, her brother Johnny Holmes, Jr. (Illinois), and her sister Dorothy Sue (David) Rouse (Louisiana).

Her memory will live on through the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services in Kewaunee from 2:00-5:00 pm, with a prayer service at 5:00 pm. Burial will take place on Friday morning at Riverview Cemetery. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.