Leslie Wagner

He was born January 17, 1942, in Mansfield and was a 1960 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. Les attended William & Mary College, graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1964 and a Juris Doctorate in 1967. Les returned to Mansfield to practice law and worked at various stages of his career in the City Solicitor’s Office, as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and as a Public Defender. He enjoyed a successful 45 year private law practice and cared deeply about his clients from all walks of life. Les was a lifetime member of the Richland County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and The Ohio State University Alumni Association. He was also a member of Kiwanis, the Masonic Lodge, the Elks, and the First Congregational Church of Mansfield.

Les loved to golf and participated in a number of golf leagues at Wooldridge Woods Golf Course, formerly known as Possum Run. His passion for the Buckeyes was notorious, as demonstrated by his tremendous collection of Buckeye gear and memorabilia, as well as his generosity each year at the OSU Alumni Club of Richland County Beat Michigan Buckeye Bash. To everyone’s delight, Les was famous for grilling the “Wagner Steak” (a.k.a. a 2 inch sirloin) while entertaining family and friends at his home. He also enjoyed woodworking, architecture, interior design, fine art, and traveling. Above all, Les’ greatest passion was his family, about whom he always had a story recounting their latest visit or accomplishment. His children were his pride and joy, especially his six grandchildren.

Les is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Jo Ellen (Bush) Wagner; his children Kelley Susan (Wagner) Wiese of Pickerington, OH; Kathryn Wagner Keith of Seattle, WA; Pamela Orosan-Weine of Ann Arbor, MI; Jennifer Orosan of Boston, MA; and Nick Orosan of Mansfield; sons-in-law Mark Wiese, Kevin Keith, and Andy Orosan-Weine; grandchildren Anna Orosan-Weine (15); Gabriel Orosan-Weine (11); Grant Wiese (11); Estelle Wiese (5); Connor Keith (8) and Ainsley Keith (5); brother James Wagner of Mansfield; sisters Joan Marquard of Charlottesville, VA; and Heidi Wagner Woodruff of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Nephew John Marquard; Nieces Kristine Marquard Terrell; Alex and Alyssa Woodruff; Former Wife Lorene (Lori) Wagner; Aunt-in-Law Evelyn Rinearson-Kent; and Sister-in-Law and loving caregiver, Susie Patrick. He was loved and will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial celebration of Les’ life will be held at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield at 10:30 am on Monday, January 9, conducted by Rev. David S. Sipes, Rector Emerius, followed by internment at Mansfield Cemetery. Calling hours will take place from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, January 8, and 9:30 am on Monday, January 9. The family requests memorial contributions be made in lieu of flowers to OSU Alumni Club of Richland County Scholarship Fund at Ohio State Mansfield, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906, and Hospice of North Central Ohio at 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.