Eugene H. "Gene" Wagner

Eugene H. Wagner, age 83, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1985, formerly of Freeport, IL, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital of Naperville, IL. He was born on November 17, 1942, in Mount Sterling, IL.
Beloved husband of Joanne Wagner (nee Yankee), whom he married on August 6, 1966, loving father of Eugene H. (Sharon) Wagner, Jr. of Littleton, CO, John Marvin (Olivia) Wagner of Phoenix, AZ and Thomas Wesley Wagner of Chicago, adored grandfather of Nicholas, Erika and Zachary Wagner; Maisie Wagner; Madeline, Emily and Henry Wagner, devoted son of the late Harold J. and Anna C. Wagner, son-in-law of the late Marvin W. and Joanna Yankee, dear brother of the late Fr. Cyril Wagner, OFM, brother-in-law of Kathleen (William) Hall of Paso Robles, CA and the late Marvin (Agnes) Yankee, fond cousin, uncle, great-uncle, and friend to many.
Gene was the retired Dean of Occupational and Vocational Education at the College of DuPage. As Dean, he was responsible for programs in Industrial Technologies, Communication and Visual Technologies, Electronics and Networking Technologies, Health Sciences and Nursing, Human Services, Fire Science, and Child Care. In addition, he taught networking technologies and was a Cisco Certified Network Associate. He supervised three Associate Deans, 68 full-time and 250 part-time faculty, and served on three national boards related to workforce development.
Gene received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Illinois State University, Normal and Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Gene has over 35 years of teaching and administrative experience at the community college level. Prior to College of DuPage, he was Assistant Dean of Business, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technologies at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon, IL from 1981 to 1985; Division of Vocational and Technical Education Chairperson at Highland Community, Freeport, IL from 1969 to 1973; Department Chair and Instructor prior to this from 1969 at Highland; Department Chair and Instructor at Lincoln-Way High School, New Lenox, IL from 1965-1969.
Gene, a man whose quiet strength and boundless love shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him, passed away leaving a legacy of devotion, kindness, and unwavering family pride. A deeply dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Joanne, for 59 years, Gene built a life rooted in partnership, laughter, and steadfast loyalty. He was an extraordinary father to his three sons-Geno, John, and Tom-always their greatest supporter, teacher, and example of what it means to live with integrity and heart. Gene's gentle spirit, warm presence, and the countless memories he created will continue to live on in those he cherished most.
Services and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene's memory may be made to:
Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry, 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-3663, www.loaves-fishes.org
Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com