Gary Lee Wagner

***Update***. Due to the village-wide power outage, all services for Gary L. Wagner are re-scheduled for Sunday August 27, 2023.

Gary Lee Wagner, 63, of Belleville, IL, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 18, 2023. Gary was born on September 2, 1959, in Belleville, IL to Raymond and Janette Wagner, nee Holle, and they precede him in death. Gary was also preceded in death by his brothers, John Wagner, Joseph Wagner, and Michael Wagner, as well as his sister, Diane Kraft, nee Wagner.

Gary was a hard-working man, having worked for Cerro Copper as a crane operator for over 40 years. He married his beloved wife, Lisa Wagner, nee Alston, on September 10, 2021, in Waterloo, IL. When he was not working, Gary dedicated his free time to being the best “Pawpaw” in the world to his grandchildren. Gary so devoted himself to the title of “Pawpaw” that other family members, including his wife and children, started referring to him as such. In addition to his unwavering love of family, Gary had passions for the St. Louis Cardinals, all things nature—particularly birds, which earned him another nickname—“Birdman,” his Jeep Wrangler, photography, wood-working, and the classic rock music station KSHE 95. Gary will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, and would often be described as “an instigator of fun,” and will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

Left to cherish his memory is his dearest wife, Lisa Wagner, nee Alston, of Belleville, IL; his children, Amanda (Eric) Mann of O’Fallon, IL, and Adam (Katelyn) Hoffman of Fairview Heights, IL; his siblings, David Wagner and Ronald (Diane) Wagner of Mascoutah, IL, Richard Wagner of Chester, IL, Mark Wagner of Smithton, IL, Jeanette (Bruce) Morgan and Janice (Gary) Loyet of Lebanon, IL, Patricia Lang of Belleville, IL, and brother-in-law Dean Kraft of Belleville IL; his grandchildren, Allie Hoffman and Chase Hoffman of Fairview Heights, IL, Hadley Mann, Lilah Mann, and Mabry Mann of O’Fallon, IL., in addition to many revered nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Per his wishes, Gary will be cremated and a memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 2:00-4:00pm at Hoffen Funeral Home, 220 West Washington Street, Millstadt, IL, with services immediately following.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.