Elizabeth J. Wagner

1982 - 2018

Elizabeth J. Wagner

Des Moines -

Elizabeth Jean Wagner passed away of natural causes on Friday, June 22 in her sleep. She was born January 4, 1982, in Des Moines.

A visitation will be held at the Dunn's Funeral home from 4-7 pm Thursday, June 28, 2018. Memorial services will be Friday, June 29, 2018, at 11:00 am at Central Presbyterian Church.

Elizabeth was an avid reader beginning in second grade. Her teachers, coaches and principals at Greenwood, Hanawalt, Merrill, Roosevelt, and Central Campus were an important part of her fabric. Elizabeth often spoke about them with love and appreciation. She graduated from Iowa State and was completing her degree from the Iowa Culinary Institute in Ankeny, IA. The ICI sparked a passion in her for the culinary arts. Her teaching chefs were beloved mentors.

As a musician, writer, artist, and friend, Elizabeth brought love, kindness, and joy to all who knew her. She was selfless in her devotion to others. She often supported others through encouragement, providing temporary shelter and chauffeuring. Even neighbors and strangers were supported as she shoveled snow, gave rides to the airport and paid it forward in line at the grocery store.

Her energy was boundless. You might find her kayaking, swimming or writing her novel. Her sense of humor and her storytelling would entertain her parents and her friends for hours on end. Starting in high school she and her best friend were a guitar duo called Free Iris and packed the house at Java Joes with friends from their show choir at Roosevelt. She was a strong athlete participating in soccer and volleyball. She played on club and varsity high school teams. She read her winning essay at the World Food Prize competition where Elizabeth Dole was the keynoter.

Elizabeth was baptized, confirmed and an active member through high school at Central Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth described the mission trip to Honduras with the youth group and her father as a life-changing experience. Seeing villagers receive Heifer Project animals and constructing church steps gave her a lasting appreciation of other cultures.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by grandparents, Janet and Richard Wagner, Jean and Robert C. Finnell, Pat and John Gordon, and Warren Merrill. She was also preceded in death by aunt Carolyn Schluter, great aunt Betty, and great uncle Donald Boland, and great uncle Lee Schwanz. She is survived by her father Donald R. (Barbara) Wagner, her mother Mary Jean (Randy) Gordon, sister Jessica Gordon partner Dan Eivins, nephew Judah Gordon, brother Alex Gordon partner Trisha Hardy, grandmother Doris Merrill, great aunt Kathleen Schwanz, uncle Gerald Schluter, cousin Debbie (Keith) Bauer , cousins Blake and Darcey, aunt Carol (Gary) Sugarman, cousin Ian, and many second cousins. She will also be loved and missed by her longtime friend and companion Leah Weir.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Culinary Institute.