Benjamin G. Wagner

WAGNER, Benjamin G., died doing what he loved in a tragic hiking accident in Colorado on July 24, 2025, at the age of 45. He was born in Cincinnati, OH, the son of proud parents Gregory and Janet (nee Wehby) Wagner.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 18 years, Jodie (nee Papania) and his cherished children Zachary and Audrey, whom he loved with all his heart.

He will be deeply missed by his brother Jon (Sara) Wagner and sister Laura (Adam) Brixey.

Ben is the dear son-in-law of Ronald and Nancy (nee Merk) Papania and beloved brother-in-law of Jamie (Ben) Kissell, Jeff (Lauren) Papania, and Jason (Tracy) Papania.

He leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews, along with many other family members and friends, each with their own special memories of him.

A true west-sider, Ben was born into a large, close-knit extended family. He attended Our Lady of the Visitation Grade School and Elder High School, where he formed lifelong friendships. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, where he met the love of his life, Jodie. Their marriage added another loving extended family to Ben’s life.

Ben’s strong work ethic, moral compass, and high principles were undeniable. He was the consistent voice of reason to all who knew him. He was responsible, a hard worker, and the first to volunteer to help others.

Ben was a loving husband and father, an amazing son and brother, and a loyal friend. He always prioritized time with his family, including planning yearly hiking trips with his dad, brother, brother-in-law, and son. He would begin discussing the next year’s trip on the way home from the current one.

He loved the outdoors, whether it was an adventure in the National Parks, fishing, stargazing, camping, playing frisbee golf, watching birds on his beloved bird camera, or just taking photos of all the beautiful scenery.

Ben enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching the Reds, and reading a good book. But more than anything else, he loved his children. He would do anything for them. Even if it meant recording bedtime stories from halfway around the world so they wouldn’t miss their nightly routine, helping as coach or scorekeeper for many of their sports teams, or customizing his facial hair to fit each year’s father daughter dance theme, such as Hollywood duos (Mario and Princess Peach), eras (70’s hippies), or western (cowboy and cowgirl).

Ben passed along all his favorite hobbies to Zach and Audrey. They are both so much like Ben in many ways that we are lucky to have pieces of him remain here with us, to comfort us when we miss him most. And like the birds that he so enjoyed to watch, he is soaring high and watching over all of us.

Visitation at B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., SUNDAY 8/3 from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ignatius of Loyola, 5222 North Bend Rd., MONDAY 8/4 at 10:30 AM.

Ben will be laid to rest at St. Joseph New Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Ben’s friends have set up an account to benefit his children’s education. If you would like, memorial checks (made out to Ben Wagner Education Fund) can be mailed or dropped off to Fifth Third Bank at 3715 Ebenezer Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45248. Or, you may contribute via Venmo, @BenWagnerEducationFund.

B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home serving the family. Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com.