David A. Wagner, age 67, passed away on October 23, 2025 after a ten-month battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma). He grew up in Connersville, Indiana and attended Purdue University where he received a degree in forestry. He later received a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Utah where he worked as an engineer for more than 35 years.
He loved his family and always had time for those about whom he cared most. His love for nature was evident in his early work with the Division of Natural Resources and countless hours outdoors. His innate ability to help others allowed him to volunteer over three decades with the Boys and Girls Club, Scouts of America, and the Utah Food Bank. His son, Connor, still fulfills his route with the food bank. David will continue to help others after his passing via the University of Utah Gift to Life Program where he donated his brain for cancer research.
David is survived by this wife, Geni, two sons, David (Rachel) and Connor, and granddaughter in addition to siblings Barbara Williams, Susie (David) Dougless, Therese (Alan) Whitlock, Bernie (Darren) Goins, Mary (Jim) Hopkins, Joe Wagner, Mark Wagner, John (Laurie) Wagner, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and sisters-in-law. David is preceded in death by his father, Virgil, his mother, Geraldine, and his brother-in-law, John Williams.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Drs. Joel MacDonald, Leland Rogers, and James Shortridge and the incredible staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Huntsman At Home, and Jordan Valley Hospital and Rehab. Their professionalism and politeness made this journey more comfortable during these difficult times. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
jaye magda
November 7, 2025
he helped many people design and build scientific equipment, always with a dry sense of humor. the department will miss him
Leo Frank
November 5, 2025
Although the years and the miles kept us apart, I always counted David Wagner as a friend. I was fortunate enough to speak with David at one of the High School reunions. David gave me the highest of compliments, that I was one of his friends that "he wanted to see". After that encounter I always checked with David to see if he was coming to future reunions.
At an early age, in grade school, I was intrigued by David's intelect , wit and humor . On or off the St.Gabriel church playground, David always had a unique and funny perspective on the world around us. I was very happy to read of David's accomplishments in life, not only was I touched by his friendship many others were to.
Gary Caldwell
November 2, 2025
I know David will be so missed. I remember well his humor in high school. In Mr. Reed´s class when Mr. Reed would use the slide projector, David would advance to the next slide while Mr. Reed was looking away from it. Mr. Reed would say, "Hey Wagner, I wasn´t quite ready for that next slide yet. Put that last one back up." After several times doing this, Mr. Reed said, "Hey Wagner, would you like for me to write you a Pass to the Principal´s office so you can flip those slides back and forth down there!" You had to be there and you had to know Mr. Reed to fully appreciate how funny it was. I miss those days. See you soon, David, at the big reunion in Heaven.
Jeff Stanton
November 2, 2025
David was a very smart guy in school and I have no doubt he was in his professional life as well. I know he will missed by all who knew him.
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