William Michael Wagner

Wagner William Michael Wagner, 79, of Columbus, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of February 5, 2016. He is survived by former wife, Kathryn of Dublin; sons, William (Cindy) of Cary, North Carolina and Robert (Brenda) of Columbus; daughters, Diana of Columbus, and Rochelle of Dublin; sister, Bonnie (Paul Roentgen) Heidorf of Lakewood, grandchildren Bill, Katie, Caroline, and Michael Wagner and Alexander Hoye; and nephews, Stephen (Diane) and Mark (Shannon) Heidorf; and niece, Susan (Brett) Poole; and seven great nephews and nieces. Dr. Wagner earned an AB from Ohio University and an MS and PhD from Iowa State University, and was a member in good standing of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America. He began his career with North American Aviation. He worked for Standard Oil of Ohio and The Ohio State University, where he served as an Assistant to the Director and Supervisor of Mathematical and Systems Analysis at the Instruction and Research Computer Center. He also taught graduate courses in numerical analysis and computer design, and senior level courses in mathematical statistics for the Department of Statistics. He ended his career and retired from the State of Ohio, where he had served as a programmer analyst. Bill loved the arts, especially the opera, an appreciation of which he tried to instill in his children growing up, but of which they regarded (and still do) as nothing more than a slow form of torture (thanks, Dad!). He was a member of the Audubon Society, Nature Conservatory and National Wildlife Federation. He also enjoyed travel, Jeopardy, and, of course, COBOL and mathematics. He was a kind hearted man with a terrific sense of humor who loved his family, was always willing to help in any way he could, and was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. The family would like to express a special thank you to Marvin Hardenbrook, a long-term friend of Bill's, who was an exceptionally caring and supportive friend to both Bill and Kay, and to Pastor Daniel Bell, who was a tremendous source of help and comfort to Bill and his family in his final hours. A Memorial Service will be held 5 p.m. Monday, February 8, 2016 at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085, where family and friends will gather from 3 p.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, Bill would've been very appreciative of any donation made to the Ohio Wildlife Center, 2661 Billingsley Rd., Dublin, Ohio 43235. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.