Dr. Richard D. Wagoner

Dr. Richard D. Wagoner, 84, of Rochester, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2015, at Madonna Towers Skilled Care Center.

Richard was born on Aug. 26, 1930, in Rochester, to Joseph and Mary Wagoner. He grew up in Northfield, and was a graduate of Northfield High School in 1948. In 1952, he graduated from Carleton College, where he was an all conference football quarterback (1951). He later earned a M.D. from Cornell University, New York, in 1956 and a M.S. from the University of Minnesota in 1963.

Richard served as a physician of internal medicine with a subspecialty of nephrology at Mayo Clinic from 1963 to 1996. During that time, he was also a professor of internal medicine on the faculty of the Mayo Medical School. His colleagues recognized him for his expert knowledge of renal disease, caring nature and compassion for the well-being of others.

On July 27, 1957, he married Elaine E. Nelson. Together they raised four children, dedicating their lives to their faith and their family. Richard had a love of travel and a lifelong passion for learning. He found joy in enriching and encouraging the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his children, a son, Joseph (Theresa) Wagoner of Owatonna; three daughters, Katherine (Bruce) Frutiger of Rochester, Gretchen (Neil) Touchette of Northfield and Susan (Dean) Wittren of Rochester; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

His parents; his wife, Elaine; three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

A funeral Mass for Richard will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Rochester at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, with the Rev. Msgr. Gerald A. Mahon officiating.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery of Rochester.

The family requests that memorial gifts be designated to the Mayo Clinic Poverello Fund, 200 First Street SW, Rochester MN 55901. The Poverello Fund provides financial support for patients in need.

Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.