John Wagner

PIQUA - John Norbert Wagner, 85, of Piqua, passed away at his home on November 22, 2025. Born January 19, 1940, in Hancock, Michigan, John was the eldest of fourteen children of the late Norbert Joseph and Margaret Geraldine (McDonnell) Wagner. On November 29, 1958, he married Lois Ann Black, with whom he shared 52 devoted years until her passing in 2011.

John will be deeply missed by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra Ann (Timothy) Ellis of Greer, South Carolina, and Jennifer Ann (Douglas) Heisler of Piqua, Ohio. He was "Grandpa" to Matthew Glenn (Brigitte) Ellis of Greer, South Carolina, Carlen Louise Ellis of Columbia, South Carolina, Kathryn Ann (Cameron) Taylor of Woodstock, Georgia, and Regina Marie Heisler of Piqua, Ohio.

He is also survived by ten siblings: Virginia Shiroda of Baton Rouge, Lousiana, Raymond (Teresa) Wagner of Ashburn, Virgina, Peter Richard Wagner of San Jacinto, California, Mary (George) Coker of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Norbert (Margaret) Wagner of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Leonard (Roseann) Wagner of Ashland, Ohio, Alice Lindstrom of Scottsdale, Arizona, Catherine (Ken) Hardesty of West Chester, Ohio, Joseph (Janice) Wagner of Troy, Ohio, James (Patty) Wagner of Richmond Hill, Georgia; as well as a sister-in-law, JoAnn Barhorst; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by three siblings: Frank Wagner, Thomas Wagner, and Carol Folkerth; his sister-in-law, Karen Wagner; and brothers-in-law, David Shiroda and Eldon Lindstrom.

John was proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in high school and was a graduate of Ferris State College. He enjoyed a long career as a mechanical engineer with Copeland Corporation, Chrysler-Airtemp, and later Lau Industries, from which he retired. He made many lifelong friends during his career and often spoke kindly of his coworkers. In addition to his full-time occupation, he taught HVAC systems for the Edison State evening program. A tireless worker, he worked part-time at Sears selling appliances, where his mechanical expertise and patient, steady demeanor were appreciated by customers and coworkers alike. He approached everything he did with quiet competence, unwavering reliability, and a meticulous eye for detail-qualities that defined him throughout his life.

John was a devoted husband who retired early to care for his wife during her years of declining health. He was proud of his daughters and instilled in them his belief in hard work, honesty, and integrity. He always asked about his grandchildren and expressed concern for his family throughout his life. He was happiest when family came to visit and especially so when his ability to travel became difficult. His presence will be deeply missed, but his devotion to his family will never be forgotten.

A service to honor his life will be held privately at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Steve Shoup officiating. Burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 615, Piqua, OH 45356; Meals on Wheels of Piqua, PO Box 131, Piqua, OH 45356; or to one's favorite charity. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com