Obituary for John Wagner
An incredibly special man left this world.
Intelligent, inquisitive, and with a wry sense of humor, John Wagner never shied away from supporting the underdog and putting his efforts toward doing the right thing. For 32 years, he educated and coached high schoolers. Beyond being a teacher of Mathematics and English, he was passionate about problem-solving, curiosity, developing relationships, and preparing good humans to go out into the world.
John courageously fought his own demons during his life, and he went on to support many others through 12-step programs and grief groups. He was non-judgmental and open to hearing everyone’s story, and people freely told him theirs.
John’s generosity will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to be taught, coached, tutored, fed, and loved by him.
He leaves behind a heartbroken family, including his wife Jill Stefani Wagner, daughter and son-in-law Amanda Wagner Ricketts and Dr. Robert Ricketts, grandchildren Brady, Max, Oliver, and Josie Ricketts, brother Robin (Jill Baker) Wagner, sisters-in-law Lynn (Linus) Drogs and Beth Stefani, in addition to many other nephews, nieces, family, and friends.
A celebration of life gathering will take place at Barton Hills Country Club on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 11am-2pm. People are welcome to share a story about John beginning at 12pm. If planning to attend, please kindly send an email to johnwagnermemorial@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Donations in John’s name may be made to Ele’s Place: A Healing Center for Grieving Children and Teens (https://elesplace.org/branch-locations/ann-arbor/ways-give).
Intelligent, inquisitive, and with a wry sense of humor, John Wagner never shied away from supporting the underdog and putting his efforts toward doing the right thing. For 32 years, he educated and coached high schoolers. Beyond being a teacher of Mathematics and English, he was passionate about problem-solving, curiosity, developing relationships, and preparing good humans to go out into the world.
John courageously fought his own demons during his life, and he went on to support many others through 12-step programs and grief groups. He was non-judgmental and open to hearing everyone’s story, and people freely told him theirs.
John’s generosity will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to be taught, coached, tutored, fed, and loved by him.
He leaves behind a heartbroken family, including his wife Jill Stefani Wagner, daughter and son-in-law Amanda Wagner Ricketts and Dr. Robert Ricketts, grandchildren Brady, Max, Oliver, and Josie Ricketts, brother Robin (Jill Baker) Wagner, sisters-in-law Lynn (Linus) Drogs and Beth Stefani, in addition to many other nephews, nieces, family, and friends.
A celebration of life gathering will take place at Barton Hills Country Club on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 11am-2pm. People are welcome to share a story about John beginning at 12pm. If planning to attend, please kindly send an email to johnwagnermemorial@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Donations in John’s name may be made to Ele’s Place: A Healing Center for Grieving Children and Teens (https://elesplace.org/branch-locations/ann-arbor/ways-give).