William John Wagner, Jr., F.A.I.A. was born May 16, 1915 in Porterville, California, and departed this life on Friday, January 23,2001

When he was a youngster he moved to Iowa where his formative years were spent in Oskaloosa.

Bill was a graduate of  Iowa State University and earned a Masters in Art at Drake University in 1958.

Historical preservation and restoration was Bill's life-long passion for which he became legendary far beyond the confines of the state of  Iowa.

There were three projects for which Bill voiced his fondest affinity:  the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, Terrace Hill, and Living History Farms.

Bill worked on numerous courthouses around the country.  He was instrumental in remodeling Iowa's capitol building, and had worked for the National Parks Service in four states.

It was often said that Bill was never able to pronounce the word "No!" when it came to sharing his time and talent.

Bill was the first 1998 recipient of  The Iowan Magazine's David E. Archie Award, given annually to a person instrumental in preserving the state's past.

Bill is survived by a brother, Henry, and two daughters: Elizabeth Hoffman of Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Susan Shaw of Calmar, Iowa.  There are nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

During the past few years Bill kept his fingers in the professional pie consulting for  special renovations, tirelessly working for the rescue of landmarks, going where he'd be summoned, often working for free.

Bill was a true original.  he had a unquenchable enthusiasm for life and a real appreciation for people.  Thanks to him the state is dotted with authentically restored landmarks.