"Marilyn & Family,We send our sincere sympathies for the loss of Bill. We are honored to know Bill. He was truly an inspirational man. We remember his strong patriotism and strong Pro-Life stand. We also remember him as John's first Little League coach and how gently and encouragingly he helped those kids.We will miss him. May God bless you and your family."
In loving memory of
William Wagner
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
William F. Wagner, Sr., 76, passed away Saturday evening, June 10, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Bill was born on Valentine's Day, 1930, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Marcel and Estelle Wagner. He was the oldest of five children. Bill attended All Saints parochial school and St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, the same school as his father. Bill then received a Naval ROTC scholarship to the University of Virginia, graduating in 1951. He then entered the United States Naval Reserves as an ensign. The next three years were some of the most interesting of Bill's life as he served on a destroyer sailing the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean.
After his service Bill worked as a Sales Engineer, Zone Manager and Regional Manager for the Climatrol Division of the Worthington Corporation. He was transferred to Indianapolis in 1959, later meeting his future wife, Marilyn Sweeney. Bill and Marilyn were married in 1961 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Indianapolis. In 1976 Bill started his own business, Wagner Equipment Company, serving as President until his retirement in 1995. An active member of St. Luke Catholic Church, Bill served in many ways including chairing the Home-School Committee, heading up the First Sunday Sharing Program for 18 years with his wife, serving on the Christian Social Action Commission, coaching numerous CYO sports teams, and facilitating numerous Faith Sharing Groups over the years. Bill was a former member of the Serra Club and was a member of the Indianapolis Cursillo Community. He was also a Master Gardener taking pride in growing roses, especially tending to the rose garden at St. Augustine Home. Bill was an avid fan of the Colts, Pacers, Notre Dame football, and the sports activities of his children and grandchildren, rarely missing a game.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Marilyn Wagner; daughter, Mary Kay Wagner of Seattle, WA; son, William F. Wagner, Jr., M.D. (Nichole) of Seattle, WA; son, Stephen M. Wagner (Courtenay) of Indianapolis; son, Michael R. Wagner (Alyssa) of Carmel; sister, Carolyn Rooney of Falmouth, MA; brother, Marcel E. Wagner of Spring Lake, NJ. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Tyler, Jake, Weston, Regan, Mia, Abigail, Caroline, and William III. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Mary Bresnan and Marjorie Wagner.
Calling will be held Tuesday, June 13 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 14. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you can share a personal memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contributions the St. Luke Christian Social Action Commission, Brebeuf Preparatory School, and the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Tributes
"Dear Mrs Wagner and Bill,I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and your dad. When I think about the times I would see him either at ND or at your house, I think of him as the voice of reason and always sharing some piece of wisdom with us. He was so welcoming and kind.Bill, I have always had the utmost respect for you (especially your dancing ability!) and know how proud your dad was of you.May God's peace surround your family through this challenging time.Sincerely, Chris Hunt"
"Dear Wagners,Bill Wagner Sr. has a firm place in my childhood memories. I remember Mr. Wagner 's booming voice and presence during our neighborhood fourth of July parties, his strong sense of justice and patriotism, and the way he liked to play ball with us neighborhood kids. I remember him as a true sports fan who listened (loudly) to the TV and quiestioned the referee's knowledge. I remember the snacks we would eat at the Wagner house; deli hoagie sandwiches, salami rolled up with cream cheese, and waffles with syrup AND powdered sugar. I remember him jogging up Brewster Road, challenging Mary Kay and I to jog as well. I remember him as a dedicated father who took his role very seriously. He and other neitghborhood parents helped mold us as future parents. It is fascinating to read Mr. Wagner's obituary; he was an accomplished man who lead a full life. To me, first and foremost though, he will always be the man who put up a skating rink in his backyard during the winter and skated with us. I can still picture him as a big man, smoothly gliding around the rink, a sight which defied expectations.I know my brother Brian, and sister Kay share many of these memories.I wish I could be with you to give you my condolences in person. You are in my thought and prayers. "We never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories". *Leo BuscagliaWarmest regards, Lisa Henderson Acker"
"Dear Wagners,Let me express my deepest condolences for your loss. As with some of the other posters on this site, Mr. Wagner was a vivid part of my childhood. I can remember him at Mike's St. Luke basketball and football games, at sleepovers in North Willow, and on trips to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Indiana Beach. Mr. Wagner was self-made man who loved his family, had strong faith, and did what was right. I have always thought that Mike was lucky because he had the best parents of anyone I knew growing up. Mr. Wagner will be missed, but he has given us all fond memories and wonderful children. Their influence will surely be felt in the years to come. Warm Regards, BJ Rydell"
"Mrs. Wagner and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Mr. Wagner will be greatly missed. He was truly an inspirational man who accomplished much throughout his life. While we only got to know Bill later in his life, we remember him as a warm and loving grandfather. He was able to come out to Seattle several times to see his immediate family and Nikki's family as well. He was always easy to talk to, full of good stories and loved being around his children. We wish we could be there in person to say goodbye and support the family, but please know that we are thinking of you all during this difficult time. John, Gretchen, Emma and Mia Hollett"
"steve,i am sorry about the passing of your dad. please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. deborah"
"Marilyn, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated that Bill was in Jeff's Cursillo group. Over the years, Jeff was able to learn by example. Bill was willing to share fatherly advise with everything from marriage to roses, tree work, and Christ's work. I can't say that Jeff always followed Bill's advise, but he was always there for Jeff. He always kept a watchful eye, beckoning him to come back to group when his lapses were too long. I appreciated Bill for his readiness to stand up for his faith and live a christian life. The world is a better place for the life of your special husband-- Bill Wagner, Sr.Decolores, Mary Williamson"
"Dear Bill and the rest of the Wagner family,I remember your dad fondly from our high school days when he would come to watch our tennis matches :-)He always had positive words of encouragement! I am so sorry for your loss -- Brynn and I will be thinking of you during this difficult time.My best always,-Mark"
"Dear Mrs. Wagner, and the Wagner family,I just wanted to pass along my condolences during this difficult time. I have many pleasant memories of Easters, Thanksgivings, and ND football games with Mr. Wagner. He always reminded me of my own father in many ways. I always appreciated the hospitality and friendliness he (and all of you) extended to me.Best regards,Patrick"
"To the Wagner Family:We know this has been a difficult time for the family our heart felt condolances go out to all of you. We fell in love with Bill and Marilyn the first time we met them. The Wagners are a wonderful family. We want to take this oppurtunity to thank both Bill Sr. and Marilyn for the many talents i.e. musical, humor and intelligence that they have passed on to our three delightful Wagner grandchildren. We love you all. Please come and visit us at Pt Ludlow our door is always openJohn and Gail"