Obit: Wagner, Richard Lawrence “Dick” (1933 - 2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Wagner, Conrad, Turek, Kindell, Eichenmiller, LaGasse

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 2/03/2023

Wagner, Richard Lawrence “Dick” (14 February 1933 – 29 January 2023) With Flag

Richard “Dick” Lawrence Wagner of Eau Claire, passed away, surrounded by his loved ones, in his home January 29, 2023, at the age of 89.

Dick was born in Thorp, on February 14, 1933, to William S. Wagner and Florence (Conrad) Wagner.

After graduating from Thorp High School in 1951, he attended UW Stout until he enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry in 1953 where he served as a Company Clerk at Fort Carson, Co. After returning, Dick attended UW La Crosse where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education. In 1966, he obtained a master’s degree in school counseling and later, after commuting back and forth from Whitewater, he obtained his doctoral degree in counselor education from UW Madison.

Dick taught physical education and coached in several school districts. In 1968, he was a teacher’s assistant, practicum coordinator and supervisor at UW Madison. From 1970-1973 he taught at UW Whitewater. Dick was the director and first President of the Crossroads Counseling Center in 1973. He moved to Sarasota, Florida where he was a school counselor and the co-director of the Beacon House Inc., a private marriage and counseling agency. During this time, Dick helped to raise his children Brad, Robert “Bob”, Laurie and later, Lindy.

In 1982, Dick moved back to Wisconsin where he met Karen (Turek). They were married in 1985 and remained happily married for 37 years. While living in Eau Claire, he taught at Mount Senario College. Dick also attended Valleybrook Church for many years, where he was involved in small groups, and even taught a dance class. Together, Karen and Dick raised their son Benjamin “Ben”. Dick was a wonderful husband and father. Although he was quiet, he had a strong spirit, a kind smile and was a wise man.

Over the years, Dick spent many summers at the YMCA Camp Manitou as a camper in his youth, then on to a counselor, Teen Lodge director and program director. Dick was active in sports throughout high school and college. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter who started a multi-generational tradition, a fisherman and a seasoned camper. Dick also had a love of music that prompted him to sing in barbershop quartets and in bands. He played the piano, trombone, bugle, ukulele and countless other instruments.

Dick is survived by his wife Karen Wagner, sons Benjamin (Kelly) Wagner and Brad (Jane) Wagner, daughters Laurie (Eric) and Lindy Kindell, grandsons Jesse Wagner and Justin Wagner, granddaughter Kara (Karl) Eichenmiller and great grandchildren Ember and Justin Wagner. Dick is preceded in death by his father and mother, William S Wagner and Florence Wagner, brother and sister, William Wagner and Joyce (Wagner) LaGasse and his son, Robert Wagner.

A celebration of life for Dick will be held February 18th, 2023, at JAMF, located at 215 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire, WI 54703 from 1-5 p.m., with the service beginning at 2 p.m.

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