Sean Michael Wagner

Wagner Sean Michael Feb. 15, 1967 - June 23, 2025 Age 58, exited this world June 23, 2025, leaving behind his truest life-companion, Melissa A. Martyr-Wagner, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. He also moved on without his "greatest achievements", his son Rowan T. Martyr-Wagner (Lily Martyr-Warnberg) and daughter Livia M. Wagner, as well as his Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Henry and Halsey (who've generally been loyal but ambiguous about Sean's hunting trips). Born to Nancy E. Wagner (née Foley) and Daniel J. Spillane, Jr., on February 15, 1967, in Evanston, IL, Sean embraced his Irish heritage. He particularly enjoyed its penchant for storytelling, music, and tippling, maintaining a Spotted Cow keg and a well-stocked liquor cabinet for his revered vintage cocktails. The Irish Democrat in Cedar Rapids, IA, remained one of Sean's all-time favorite pubs long after he moved away to pursue an architecture degree at Iowa State University and his master's degree at Princeton University. Sean recently retired as CEO/President of NewStudio Architecture, the successful design firm he founded in 2011. He was one of Minnesota's first LEED-accredited professional architects and received the MN AIA Young Architect Award in 2010. Among projects across the U.S. and Canada, Sean especially treasured his longstanding work with URBN and clients in Philadelphia. In his professional "spare time," he earned several patents, taught at the University of Minnesota, and mentored young protégés-often with deep and memorable discourses. For more than 25 years, Sean was an active member in Ducks Unlimited, even if his dogs weren't. Sean also volunteered for the Leukemia Cup Regatta and recently received the Inland Lakes Yachting Association Huse Sportsmanship Trophy. He hoped to retire on White Bear Lake, sneaking cigars and rocking to his favorite bands (the Grateful Dead, Foo Fighters, James Brown, etc.). He dreamed of sailing with his wife and scuba diving around the world. He gave it a good go after his glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) diagnosis in February 2024. Sean is preceded in death by his birthfather, Daniel J. Spillane, Jr.; grandparents, Daniel J. and Dorothy Spillane, Sr., Edmond and Florence Foley; and John and Marjorie Wagner; uncles, Timothy Spillane, William Spillane, Michael (Mickey) Spillane, Kevin Spillane, Michael (Leanne) Foley, and Phillip Foley; sister-in-law, Sheryl Martyr; and two squirrely GBM tumors dispatched by the fine doctors and nurses at United Hospital. In addition to his loving family, Sean is survived by a loyal clan that includes his mother and father, Nancy and James Wagner; in-laws, Mark and Maryanne Martyr, and Jon and Blair Martyr; siblings, Jim Wagner, Bob (Carla) Wagner, Dan (Barb) Wagner, and Dana Wagner; nephews, Gunner Martyr, Caleb Wagner, Adam Wagner, and Zach Wagner; nieces, Allison (Caleb Crossett) Martyr, Abbey Wagner, and Ellie Wagner; many uncles and aunts, led by Sister Maureen Spillane; too many cousins to name (clearly, it's an Irish family); the entire NewStudio team; and cherished friends and family around the world. Melissa's heartfelt gratitude goes to the medical professionals of the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center Neuro-oncology program, Regions Hospital, and United Hospital; Optune; Sean's therapist, private nurses, and PT team; Nightingale Nursing Support; Lakeview Hospice; and end-of-life doula Wendy Longacre Brown. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to the Glioblastoma Research Organization, the White Bear Sailing School (please write in the notes: in memory of Sean Wagner), or any nonprofit that supports mental health awareness, improves women's health, promotes wildlife conservation, or fights diseases. Friends and family are invited to a Buddhist SendOff gathering at the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church (328 Maple St., Mahtomedi, MN) on Monday, July 14, at 11 A.M., followed by an Irish Wake from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. at the White Bear Lake Yacht Club, (56 Dellwood Ave., #1401, Dellwood, MN). SendOff - Funerals Reimagined is assisting with the memorial plans. Fare thee well, Sean.