Stephen Kirk Waggie

Stephen Kirk Waggie, 76, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family, Monday, December 8, 2025. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Family will greet friends prior to service from 9 to 10 a.m. Inurnment of cremains will be at a later date in the Violet Hill Cemetery, Perry, Iowa.

He was born on July 28, 1949, in Spencer, Iowa, to Gerald and Jessie Joan (Campbell) Waggie. Kirk grew up in Spencer, where he attended school and excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1967.

Kirk continued his education at Mankato State College in Mankato, Minnesota, from 1967 to 1969 before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970. He proudly served his country in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division as an infantryman and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in combat.

Following his military service, Kirk moved to Pensacola, Florida. On June 9, 1973, he married the love of his life, Mary Green, of Estherville, Iowa. Together, they shared 23 wonderful years and welcomed two children, Aaron and Lisa. Kirk continued his education in Pensacola, earning an A.S. degree in Electronics from Pensacola Community College in 1976.

After returning to Iowa, he worked as a computer technician for Sperry Corp. in Clear Lake from 1978 to 1988. During this time, he also earned his B.S. degree in Education from Buena Vista College in 1988.

Kirk began his teaching career at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, teaching electronics. He later spent 21 years as the At-Risk Coordinator at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa. He also taught GED classes for DMACC and served as a driver's education instructor in both Perry and the Des Moines metro area. A passionate coach, he led the Perry boys' track team to numerous conference championships, leaving behind a legacy of school record holders. In 2002, he was honored as Iowa Central Coach of the Year.

He retired from Perry in 2010 and moved to Indianola to be closer to family. Kirk loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and attending his grandchildren's events. He also had a deep passion for travel and learning about different cultures, visiting Australia, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and Sweden.

Kirk is survived by his children, Aaron Waggie (Gabe Schifman) of Fairway, Kansas, and Lisa Damman (Bill) of Indianola, Iowa; his cherished grandchildren Emma Damman, James Damman, Noah Schifman, and Ava Schifman; his sister Ann Breidinger of Douglas Island, Alaska; his sister-in-law Bonnie Waggie of New Ulm, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, his parents Gerald and Joan Waggie, and his brother David Waggie.

Kirk will be remembered for his compassion, humor, dedication to his family, and the countless lives he touched throughout his career and community.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Kirk may be given to IMPACT Drake Neighborhood Food Pantry.