Gary R. Wagner

Gary R. Wagner

Mr. Gary Raymond Wagner, age 87, passed away Sat. September 13th, 2025, at his residence. He was born on February 2, 1938, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, to the late Raymond V. and Bernice L Wagner (Lindgren).

Gary was married to and preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Penelope (Penny) Palese, as well as his sisters, Lois A. Stoeckel and Donna J. Olsen. Gary is survived by his three children, Gary R. Mc Nair (Liz) Foley Alabama, Amy E. Wheaton (Michael) Foley Alabama, and Kurt A. Wagner (Wendy) Fort Atkinson, WI; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Growing up in Glen Ellyn, Gary attended Glenbard West high school before attending college at Southern Illinois University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Education. Gary spent the majority of his life in Glen Ellyn, he was a teacher and basketball coach for thirty-one years, with the final twenty-five at Mc Clure Junior High, Western Springs, IL, retiring in 1993. One of his most proud moments was when he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1990.

He and Penny relocated to Lake Geneva in 2009, where he took on the role of caretaker for his wife who was diagnosed with Dementia. He spent 15 years of his life visiting her every day, even during the lockdowns sitting outside her window and talking on a walkie talkie to her and thoroughly enjoying being able to be back in personal contact with her. This continued until her passing in 2023, yet a day since he has not missed talking about her and looking forward to the day they would 'meet again.'

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. (www.alz.org).

Online guest book available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.