Tom Wagner was a kind, caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to everyone who ever had the good fortune of meeting him. He passed away unexpectedly at his home in Manitowoc on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at age 71.
Tom was born to Eugene and Pauline “Pat” Reynolds Wagner on October 17, 1950. A loyal, blue-collar guy at heart, Tom worked at WAF from 1970 until he retired in 2016. He met his loving wife, Debbie Stelzer, on a softball diamond—arguing balls and strikes!—in 1977. Together, they built a wonderful life and welcomed three amazing children (Helen, Stacy and Lee) into the world.
In a fast-paced, material society, Tom was the polar opposite. He lived life at his own speed and found endless joy in the little things all around him every day. From attending church or local high school sporting events to hitting the Y or just enjoying a good piece of fried chicken, Tom always had a smile on his face and was quick to offer up a “knucks.”
Tom was an encyclopedia of music knowledge. He knew the name and artist of every song made in the ‘60s and ‘70s—even the incredibly obscure ones!—and was always humming a tune. He never missed a chance to sit down with the morning paper or to tell loved ones just how special he thought they were.
But most of all, Tom was a dedicated family man and shared his love graciously. His wife (Debbie), brother and his wife (Al and Tracy), children and their spouses (Helen and Kevin, Stacy, Lee and Rachel) grandchildren (Ian, Nora and Paisley) and extended family meant everything to him and he would do anything for them. Tom was preceded in death by Eugene and Pat Wagner, Larry and Verna Stelzer and Charles and Ann Stephens.
To know Tom was to love him. His quiet, humble nature. His infectiously jovial personality. Simply put, Tom impacted so many and brought joy to every single life he touched. He was truly a one-of-a-kind human being and will be missed dearly by us all.
A Life Celebration Social will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneraohome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
