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TEMECULA, CA — Rev. John Francis Wagner, beloved Pastor Emeritus of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Temecula, went to his eternal rest on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church.
Born April 9, 1938, in San Diego to Edward W. and Eileen (Kelly) Wagner, he attended Catholic school and graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Father John was ordained to the priesthood on March 19, 1964, at St. Joseph's Cathedral in San Diego and dedicated his 60 years as a Priest to serving with joy and enthusiasm.
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He served as Pastor in parishes in the San Diego and San Bernardino Dioceses and supported Vocations to the Priesthood and the Permanent Diaconate.
According to those who knew him best, he was an accomplished musician, who said that "one of his proudest achievements was his appointment as Head Director of the Diocese of San Diego Combined Choir."
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He leaves a legacy of dedication, accomplishments and love.