Richard M. "Wags" Wagner

Richard M. “Wags” Wagner, 81, of La Crosse, peacefully passed into eternal life on Sunday, May 8, 2022, surrounded by members of his family. Wags was born on December 20, 1940, in Minneapolis, Mn., to Carl and Lucille (Pollard) Wagner. Wags, his brother, Roland "Butch", and a sister Rosemary were raised in La Crosse by their Uncle George and Aunt Adeline Wagner. Wags was a 1959 graduate of La Crosse Central High School where he participated in baseball, basketball, and football. His love for sports continued right up to his death as he watched his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, attended high school, college, and professional athletic events, and watched the Badgers, Brewers, Bucks, and Packers play games on television. He also played softball several times per week on numerous teams during the summer. Following his graduation, Wags attended UW-La Crosse before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving from October 5, 1959, to August 16, 1963. While in the Navy, Wags earned Commanding Officer, USS Chivo Commendation. Wags lived in Onalaska, Wi., married Muriel “Babe” Trimm, and moved to La Crosse, Wi. He bought a home on Losey Boulevard where he lived until passing into eternal life. Wags worked for Heileman's Brewery and then the Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirement. Wags is survived by a sister, Rosemary (Lee) Young, Rose Bud, Ark., a sister, Betty (Edward) Savage, Ca., a brother, Roland "Butch" (Debbie) Wagner, La Crosse, and 3 step-children and their families, Tari (Jan) Tovsen, La Crosse, Scott Tovsen, Elgin, Ill., and Tonya (Keary) Mattson, Hortonville, Wis. Wags was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Muriel, brothers Gary and Ivan, a sister Carol, and step-children Gary Tovsen and Kit Tovsen. The family of Richard M. Wagner would like to express sincere gratitude to all those who were a part of his life whether family or friends. Wags touched so many lives and was always there for everyone in times of need. A celebration of his life will be held at the Bluffside Tavern, 2712 Main Street, La Crosse, Wis., on Friday May 13, 2022, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The family will gather at Oak Grove Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. for burial prior to his celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.