Robert Merwin Wragg

Robert Merwin Wragg

Fairfield

Robert Merwin Wragg, 90, formerly of Fairfield, Iowa, and Canyon Lake, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2023, in Tampa, Florida.

He was born on October 17, 1932, to Horace William Wragg and Gladys Devol Wragg in Chicago, Illinois. He was very active in DeMolay as a young man. He was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 20, and served for almost two years before his honorable discharge. He was married to Rosemary Harmon from 1956-1977. From this union he had two daughters, Karin Monvoisin and Sally Parker. His career began in Chicago working as a wood patternmaker, later moving with Rosemary and the girls to Fairfield, Iowa, in 1969. He married Mary Lou Sweeney Ward in 1979 and became a loving stepfather to Pamela Pohl, Timothy Ward and Matthew Ward (Kris Anderson).

In Fairfield, he continued his work in patternmaking eventually becoming Vice President in charge of Sales and Engineering of Fairfield Aluminum Castings Company (Falco) and enjoyed flying his Piper Arrow to various destinations until his retirement. Robert and Mary Lou then moved to Canyon Lake, Texas, where he designed and built their home overlooking the lake. During their lives in Canyon Lake, Robert and Mary Lou spent many days sailing, and he worked in his extensive woodworking shop in their home. He was active in the Canyon Lake Masonic Lodge and as a Shriner with the Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio, Texas. He made furniture in his spare time, and the Lodge benefitted from his woodworking skills. They attended Canyon Lake United Methodist Church, where he helped design church building updates and often custom-made items for the church.

His wife, Mary Lou, preceded him in death in 2020, and Robert moved to Tampa, Florida, in June of 2021 so he could be closer to his daughters. He was also preceded in death by one granddaughter.

He is survived by his daughters, stepdaughter and stepsons; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service, at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church, will be held later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research in Robert’s memory. give.michaeljfox.org