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Walter Wagener Obituary
July 7, 1936 - July 17, 2025
Walter Lee Wagener was born on July 7, 1936, and died of a cardio-respiratory event on July 17, 2025, at University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. He was 89 years old.
Walt was born to Lee Wagener and Kathryn Grace Wagener in Isabel, SD. In 1941 the family moved to Milwaukee, Wis. He graduated from Washington High School and the UW-Milwaukee. Walt completed a seminary degree at United Methodist Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.
Walt was campus minister at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; Director of Admissions at Garrett Theological Seminary; pastor at Brooklyn United Methodist Church, and Wesley Church in Oshkosh. In 1983, Walt became pastor of Cudahy United Methodist. In 1984 he married Judy Rabak. Walt's last parish position was at Trinity United Methodist in Madison. In 1993 Walt became chaplain at Methodist Hospital in Omaha and retired in 1997. Walt and Judy lived in DeKalb Ill., Kasson, Minn., and currently reside in Madison, Wis.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Judy Wagener; son, John Wagener (Deidre); and daughter, Ann Wagener from a previous marriage; grandsons, Ross Wagener and Lars Wagener; sister, Kay Mir; nieces, and nephews and many cousins. Visitation will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church, Madison, Wis. at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 13th, memorial service at 3 p.m. Send condolences to www.cressfuneralservice.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Wagener
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
2 Entries
Janet Schewe
July 25, 2025
I will remember Walt as a kind and gentle soul who always wore a smile.
Much love to JudY and extended family.
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
July 25, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705
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