Gilbert "Gil" Wagner

Gilbert "Gil" J. Wagner, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on November 1, 2025. He was born on May 6, 1951, to Ernest and Bonita Wagner.

Gil grew up in Howard, where he attended St. John the Baptist School before attending 3 years of high school at Bay Port, then graduating from Algoma High School. On a beautiful day at Holy Cross Church in Mishicot, Gil married the love of his life, Helen, beginning a wonderful journey together that spanned 52 years.

Gil spent many years behind the wheel as a truck driver for Ryerson Metals, a job that perfectly suited his hardworking nature and love for the open road. Though he drove for a living, his true passion was racing. From 1975 to 1990, Gil was a proud stock car driver at Wisconsin International Raceway (WIR), where his competitive spirit and skill earned him the respect of many fellow racers.

Outside of work and racing, Gil found peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting, especially deer season, and treasured the camaraderie and memories made at deer camp. After a long wait, he was thrilled to finally harvest his first buck in 20 years just last year. Gil also enjoyed camping and traveling with Helen, with their trip to Alaska being a particularly special adventure they both cherished.

Over the years, Gil was an active member of several clubs and organizations, including the Green Bay Highriders, Twin Cities Bushwackers, Wisconsin Coalition of 4-Wheel Drive (WC4WD), Golden Arrow Archery Club, and Isaar Trailriders Snowmobile Club. Gil was the kind of man who was always the first to lend a helping hand, yet the last to ever ask for one himself.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Helen Wagner; brothers Russ (Connie) Wagner of Silver Cliff and Dennis Wagner of Green Bay; sister-in-law Mary Wagner of Green Bay; sister-in-law Maryann Stallings of Kilgore, Texas; brother-in-law Robert (Anne) Grimm of Mishicot; and his many dear friends Shelly (Rick) Ambrosius, Ralph (Ginger) Wagner, Jim (Jane) Marsland, Scott (Connie) Huven, Tom (Sallie) Heim, Pat LaFave, Amy Zelton, and countless others. He also leaves behind his beloved pets-Indy, Lucy, Sadie, and Flint-who brought him great joy and companionship.

Gil was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Bonita Wagner, and his brother Terry Wagner; parents-in-law, Walter and Caroline Grimm; brothers-in-law, Walter (Romona) Grimm Jr, Bernard (Nancy) Grimm, Charles Stallings.

"Rest easy, Gil, you've made it to victory lane and left a trail of smoke and rubber behind."

A memorial gathering for Gil will be at St. Edward and Isidore Catholic Church, 3667 Flintville Rd, Suamico, on Friday, November 14, from 9:00am – 11:00am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00. Pfotenhauer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services are assisting the family.

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