Gerald "Gary" E. Wagner

Gerald “Gary” Wagner, 84, of Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully at his apartment early in the morning on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Gary is survived by his fiancée, Pat Rusch; children: Randy & Mary Lou Wagner, Rich & Sharon Wagner, and Renee & Todd Every; grandchildren: JamieLee Wagner-Suh, Cole Wagner, and Valerie and Gabrielle Every; step-grandkids: Jordan and Kalyana Boyea; great-grandchildren: Theodore and Wesley Suh; siblings: Ruth Franke, Gordon Wagner, and Marlene Seubert. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 43 years, LuAnne Wagner, and siblings: Ethel Schreiner and Sister Shirley Wagner.

Gary was born to the late Edward and Cecelia (Michels) Wagner on February 15, 1941, in his home in the town of Mosinee and grew up in Marathon City. He graduated from Marathon High School. He joined and was a proud member of the U.S. Army in a guided missiles unit from 1959-1962. Gary and LuAnne married in 1963. They bought a home in Rib Mountain where they raised their three children. They were married until LuAnne died in 2006.

After working at Jerry’s Music, Gary enjoyed a successful career as a Master Welder for Wausau Papers. He also managed to find time to be a Volunteer Fireman and EMT for the Rib Mountain Fire Department. When he retired, Gary worked in maintenance at the Wisconsin State Patrol and crafted logos for almost every Patrol Headquarters in the state.

Gary has been described as a big Bear of a guy. He entertained thousands of people over decades, including at people’s weddings as a tuba player in several polka bands. He was an avid fisherman, loved camping, hunting, and hanging out at the cabin, and was a talented wood and metal craftsman. After he retired, Gary spent most of his time crafting projects and homemade presents for friends and family in his workshop leaving his legacy behind in the forms of furniture, artwork, board games, cabinetry and others. Gary always made time in his day to follow the Milwaukee Brewers. Later in life, he found love again in Pat Rusch and together they enjoyed traveling, winters in Florida, cruises, the “occasional” cocktail at local taverns, and polkas on the patio.

Our family would like to extend our appreciation to the staffs of Aspirius Hospital and Hospice along with the staff at Forest Park Garden Apartments Assisted Living, for their exceptional care!

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and will be followed by a family-led service and eulogies. Following the service, military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post 10 at the funeral home. The Celebration of Life will continue afterward at Burks Bar, 4711 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gary’s name will be distributed by the family at a later date.