Frank Joseph Wagner

What can you say about Frank Wagner? He was a loving and supportive son. Born on September 20, 1940 to Carl and Esther Wagner, he spent much of his youth growing up in Sturgis, MI. He was the younger brother to Carol Wagner who tragically died in a car accident while driving on her own in late adolescence. One can only imagine the impact that had upon his family and the solace and support he provided to his parents, who were regular fixtures in his life.

He loved boating, a passion that was sparked by a youth partially spent in Fort Lauderdale, where his family had a second home. He spent much of his free time there navigating the waterways alone in a small skiff. It was the first of many boats that he captained throughout his life including journeys through most of the great lakes, large chunks of the intracoastal waterway, a 4 week circumnavigation of the Bahamas, and a 2 month trip up the inside passage from Seattle to Juneau, not to mention the many other rivers and lakes he explored often accompanied by his dedicated first mate, Susan, or other lucky family and friends; the highlight, of course, always being summers spent at his family cabin at Neptune Island on Lake Huron.

He loved golf, an interest that likely began with his father and which grew throughout adolescence, including playing on the golf team at Sturgis High School. He always had his golf clubs with him, either in his trunk or suitcase, and eagerly played on any course he could get on to including St. Andrews in Scotland, Ballybunion in Ireland, and many courses throughout the United States. He was a regular for a time at Westwood Country Club in Cleveland, OH, and will also be fondly remembered by those at Crooked Tree Golf Club in Petoskey, MI, where he spent much of his retirement.

He was a business man and lifelong learner, who strongly valued education, persistence, and hard work. He received his B.A. from Notre Dame University and M.B.A. from Wharton Business School. He worked in various finance and leadership capacities throughout his career and eventually became the owner of ESA Direct, a printing and direct marketing business in Cleveland, OH, where he spent much of his adulthood working and raising his family. He greatly valued the many relationships built during that time, including in volunteer roles associated with direct marketing. His love for education and assisting others continued into retirement by developing educational tools for and tutoring inner city youth in Cleveland.

Finally, he was a wonderful husband to his wife, Susan, and father to his two children, Carrie and John. He first met Susan, fresh out of the convent, at a night club in Detroit and they were married on September 5, 1970. They were actively involved in their kids schooling and extra-curricular activities, including fund raising for Ruffing Montessori School. Frank was a world class cheerleader who always supported family members in pursuit of their dreams. In his later years, he took pride in doing some of the same for his grandchildren, Aaron and Michael. He led a great life and passed away peacefully with his wife and kids beside him in Santa Barbara, CA. His love and support will always endure in the memories of his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, children, Carrie, John and his wife Christa, and grandchildren, Aaron and Michael.