Gina Jo Wagner (nee Mechtenberg)

Matt and family, you have my deepest condolences. I am praying for you and your family.
John Purdon

Truly grateful for all the memories...

Too many to share...

More COOK memories to share...

Sure, Gina's journey began with her family and then sorority sisters in Iowa, but her career at Cook Medical for over two decades became a significant part of her life. Her 'work' family grew through the years, and her commitment and zeal to help patients and customers were truly inspiring. Those of us who worked with her cherish the legacy she left behind. Gina made an immediate impact in Critical Care, and her vibrant spirit and resolve were evident to anyone who worked with her in Miami, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and finally Chicago.

Her career took a new turn in 2012 when she joined a start-up within a larger organization in Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS), eventually leading the sales team for over a decade. Her contributions included introducing new minimally-invasive treatments, fostering careers in medical device sales, and mentoring sales managers. The joy and appreciation from her team and customers, and the shared moments of laughter, are fondly remembered through photographs.

Later, Gina focused on advocating for women's leadership opportunities within COOK, aiding in the development of a 5-year plan for WIO (Women in Otolaryngology) that influenced the MedTech industry's collaboration with professional societies like AAO-HNS. Her pioneering efforts continue to shape OHNS, with a new company taking forward the program she helped establish. Her influence will touch many young female surgeons, who may be unaware of her role, but we remember.

We hope that Matt, Will, JoJo, the Mechtenberg and Wagner families find comfort in seeing Gina through our experiences at COOK. She was dedicated, passionate, focused, organized, and tenacious, yet also nurturing and enjoyable to be around. We are all deeply thankful for the time we shared with Gina and, while we will miss her presence, she will always be remembered in our hearts and minds.

With love,
Gina's 'work' family

I met and started working with Gina a little over a decade ago. While most of our time was spent together was for work, we tried to enjoy the time together with colleagues whenever possible. I have so many great memories shared with Gina. Here are a few pics of some great times. Fly high sweet friend!

I will be forever grateful to Gina for giving me my big break to get into Medical Device Sales. I am deeply sorry for you loss Matt, William, and Joseph. I remember when Gina first met Matt and have enjoyed several times together with the two of them. Gina was an inspiration to all she met.

I met Gina at the Chicago Blue Hope Bash. My prayers and deepest sympathies to her family.

We had the pleasure to meet Tom Mechtenberg and his sisters in Vienna in 2019. After this heartfully meeting I got a lot of information to create a family tree and for sure, Gina is in this tree where she will stay forever. I feel the unbelievable loss with her husband, her sons and her parents. R.I.P. pretty Gina.

I pray that the Holy Spirit be with your family. Rest in peace, and keep smiling that big warm smile Gina.

I met beautiful Gina when her and Matt were in town to meet up with my daughter Nicole and my son-in-law Andy. She was a warm and friendly and I knew she was going to make an excellent mother. I was so honored that they invited me to be there at Will's birth. We are heartbroken that she is gone and send loving thoughts and prayers to Matt, the boys, and the whole extended family. Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Rest in peace Gina.

Gina and I were in the same class ('98) at Memorial

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.