Michael "Funk" Wagener

Mike "Funk" Wagener passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022, after courageously battling a lengthy illness. Mike attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school and was a 1964 graduate of Maumee High School. Mike was the oldest of 11 siblings and is survived by his devoted wife, Pat; son, Rob; brothers, Stevie (Judy Cole) and Dickie; sisters, Beverly (Cary) Hazard, Debbie (Dan) Graham, Becky Bihn (David King), Missy Long, Amy Zaborowski, Jenny (Clark) Kennedy; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Jane Wagener; parents-in-law, Charles and Mary Fox; brother, Pat; sister, Beth (Boo) Powell; and brothers-in-law, Ken (Angie) Fox and Dana Zaborowski.
Mike served in the Navy as an engine boiler room operator on an aircraft carrier. He was a 30 plus year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18. He began his construction career as a heavy equipment operator for various local construction companies prior to his 23-year employment at Duffey Concrete Cutting Company. Mike had a sometimes gruff exterior, but a heart of gold. He was always willing to help those in need, a trait he surely learned from his dad who served for numerous charitable organizations throughout his life. His unique sense of humor was unmatched. He had the ability to make friends easily and to maintain several life-long close relationships. For many years he met with a group of high school friends, aka, The Bad Boys Breakfast Club, on Tuesdays at Dino's and The Briarfield Cafe. He had a love of motorcycles, enjoying the open road on his Harley Davidsons. He won many trophies in drag racing competitions at the Glass City Dragway and built custom choppers. He had a passion for vintage cars and owned and restored a 1958 Chevy. In addition to his construction career, he was an antique dealer and furniture restorer for many years. He loved attending auctions and the hunt for antiques, collectibles, and fine art. He also enjoyed working with his hands, particularly with stained glass. He was an avid golfer and was in several area golf leagues. Mike enjoyed spending time as a young boy at his aunt and uncle's cottage at Devil's Lake in Michigan. He later grew to love sailing at the Fox family cottage at Devil's Lake, where he competed in regattas with his Sunfish sailboat and was the "captain" of his father-in-law's catamaran. Mike loved his sweets, especially his mom's homemade cakes and desserts. The family always knew to save him the corner piece of any special-occasion cake. His musical tastes ranged from hard and alternative rock to jazz and classical. He was thrilled when he got to see his favorite group, The Rolling Stones. Rob loved sharing his musical tastes with his dad, which was a big part of the entertainment during the many-course dinners he hosted for his parents on Sunday nights. He was extremely proud of Rob's own amazing saxophone playing talents. He always said his greatest accomplishment in life was seeing Rob become a successful, caring, and loving person.
Pat and Rob wish to extend their sincere gratitude to family and friends for their love and support during these difficult months. Anytime anything was needed, the support came in droves. The family would also like to thank the medical team and staff at Advanced Specialty Hospital of Toledo for the wonderful and loving care they provided Mike during his extensive stay.
Friends will be received on Monday, December 19, 2022, from 2-8 pm at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, OH 43537. Please feel free to join Mike in wearing your favorite flannel shirt and jeans. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. Those unable to attend are invited to watch via live stream by visiting Mike's tribute page on the Walker Funeral Home website. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Maumee. The family is also planning a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the American Lung Association.