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RUDY WAGNER Obituary

Rudy Wagner, Jr., age 68, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 1, 2015, at the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno after an extended illness. He was a longtime resident of Fresno. Rudy, Jr. operated the Chicken Man restaurant for almost 50 years, along with his father, Rudy Sr., until the latter passed away in 1996. The restaurant with its catchy jingle " Don't heat that pan. Call Chicken Man!" had a wide following in Fresno with a well-deserved reputation for the quality of the food and the friendliness of the staff. It received the Fresno Bee's People's Choice Award in 2011. Rudy always had a positive outlook and friendly disposition that attracted people to him. He had many long-term customers that became close friends. Rudy was an avid fan of the Oakland Raiders and enjoyed a friendly rivalry with those customers who rooted for the 49ers. His absence will be sorely missed. Rudy is survived by his wife, Inge; one daughter, Jennifer Wagner of Fresno; cousins, Robert Allen of Gardnerville, Nevada, Frank Allen of Rancho Cordova, Leo and Don Pigozzi of Oakland, and Barbara Wagner of Amherstburg, Ontario. A Celebration of Life will be held for relatives and friends at the Chicken Man Restaurant on Sunday, October 11, 2015, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Those wishing to memorialize Rudy are invited to make a donation to his favorite charity, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Oct. 7, 2015.

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Ronald Krikorian

July 6, 2021

Picturing myself eating at both restaurants and eating the best food ever! Enjoyed Rudy sr at his restaurant even though he called himself a grouch! Needless to say I loved both of them! God bless!

Dolores Cerkueira

October 22, 2015

RIP

Ron Ballweber

October 12, 2015

RIP Rudy. Knew your father. You both are in my prayers.

Wes & Gloria Shaw

October 9, 2015

Thank you for the wonderful memories Rudy and to you Inge. The boys are grown, now 23 and 18. We are so sad for your loss, unaware of his illness, our sincere condolence to your family and friends. You are dearly missed Rudy. May we meet again. God bless you all.

Yolanda Avitia

October 9, 2015

So very sad to hear of Rudy's passing. He was truly an amazing, caring, extremely generous, hard-working, loving & Stand-Up Guy who made everyone feel like family; Fabulous Food; Best Customer Service. Rudy, thank you for the memories; You will be greatly missed by ALL who know you. Rest in peace, my friend, until we meet again; Catch ya on the flip side! <3

Tom Stark

October 9, 2015

Rudy and I have been friends since we were 12 he was always a happy person I will miss my friend

inga wagner

October 8, 2015

To my husband of 38 wonderful years. I will love you forever, and someday we will be together again. Your loving wife , Inga Wagner

Mark & Lori McClendon

October 8, 2015

Rudy and Inge always treated us like family. Our family is very sad to hear of his passing. We've been going to Chicken Man for nearly 30 years and will miss having him cook the best chicken ever.

Linda Dotson

October 8, 2015

Rudy was such a great person!!! He was kind to everyone and such a happy person... He will be missed but his legend will carry on!.

Lorine Chalk

October 8, 2015

R.I.P Rudy you will be missed dearly. I will miss Thursday night NFL talk and how you hated my 49ers, and i disliked your Raiders. I will remember all the fond memories of going into the restaurant and you always welcomed me and my boys with open arms and a friendly smile. You will forever be Chicken Man!! Our heavenly father must have needed another angel to help him with his work, your smile will will forever brighten the heavens. Rest in Paradise.

Lee Markarian

October 7, 2015

To all who knew Rudy, his friendly smile and kind words were as predictable as his food. Not only did I begin my youth at Chicken Man my daughters did as well. He will be sorely missed.

Phil Buchanan

October 7, 2015

Goodbye my great friend Dr Phil

October 7, 2015

See you on the other side my friend. Nancy

Nancy Edwards

October 7, 2015

I will miss you sweet friend. So many memories .you will be missed. Always in my heart Nancy Horg Edwards.

Amie Doulgass

October 7, 2015

RIP Rudy Jr. Not only the best chicken and ribs in this town, but the best service. Rudy made you feel like you were family ever time you saw him. Been eating there for over 20 years. He will be missed.

Dave Ruch

October 7, 2015

Rudy, thank you for all the great memories. Booty-

Pam Arakelian

October 7, 2015

I was very sad to hear of Rudy's passing, he was a wonderful kind friend. We will miss him very much. Rest in peace Rudy❤

F W

October 7, 2015

sorry to hear this

October 7, 2015

Rudy I am so sad you are not here... my heart is aching at your loss. You will always be my brother-in-law, no matter what the circumstances... You will always be my 'big brother' too. I will always remember the good times at your house on Sundays... Sunday lunches... Christmas Eves.... Mushroom soup...! You will always mean so much to our family, my children will and have always called you Uncle Rudy! You introduced me to my now husband over 40 years ago... I will miss you very much.. Rest in Peace Rudy

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