David Edward Wagner

David E. “Dave” Wagner, age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 22, 2019 @ Parkview Hospital in Lagrange, IN. Dave was born on May 26, 1951 to his parents, Robert and Josephine (Casey) Wagner in Toledo, OH. His childhood was spent in Toledo, OH where he attended school at St. Pius X Grade School and St. Francis DeSales High School. Following his love for football, Dave earned a scholarship to attend Montana State University, only to return due to an injury. Dave enrolled in the US Army on May 6, 1971 and served his country in Germany until February 25, 1974. On September 24, 1971 Dave married his loving and devoted wife, Marilyn (Smith). Dave graduated from the University of Toledo in Engineering, and pursued and completed his Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University. Dave’s engineering career led him to work in Toledo at Libby Glass, Dunbar Mechanical and Teledyne CAE.

True to Dave’s spirit and love for teaching, in 1990 he began to share his knowledge of engineering technology as the Chair of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Owens Community College. In 1997 he transferred to Trine University (Tri-State) as an Associate Professor of Engineering Technology where he was responsible for creating and implementing the Masters of Science Degree in Engineering Technology. In 2011, Dave was named Professor Emeritus by Trine University. In 1999 and 2004, Dave received the Excellence in Teaching Award in Engineering Technology from Trine University.

Dave had a love for all things sports. From his coaching days in little league baseball and football and St. Francis High School with his sons, cheering on the Michigan Wolverines, to his years of coaching baseball at Owens Community College and baseball and football at Trine University. In 1996, Dave received the District Coach of the Year award from the Ohio Senate for his 1995-1996 Owens Community College season. Dave was recognized for his remarkable ability to develop the talents and ambitions of individual college athletes. To students and players, Dave was always known as “coach”.

Dave enjoyed spending time taking family road trips, boating, playing with his rescued Australian Shepherd, Riley, fishing, tinkering in the garage and tackling home renovation projects. His talents in design and structures resonated on the field, in the classroom and everything he encountered.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Mother and Father-in-law Mary and Herbert “Smitty” Smith, brothers Stephen and Rick Wagner, sister, Linda DiCenzo. Left to cherish his memories is his wife of 47 years, Marilyn, sons Joshua (Stacey) and Ryan (Stacy) Wagner. Grandchildren Emily, Evan and MacKenzie Wagner. Brothers Ron (Anita), Kevin (Vicky) and John Wagner; Sisters Mary (Ron) Warns, Nancy (Doug) Mansor, Maggie Wagner, Judy Russell, Beth Wagner, and Amy (Chad) Rupp. Sister in laws Carolyn (Jerry) Harris, Jenny Wagner, Brother in laws Ken (Jane), Mark and John Smith. Many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 12 – 3 pm on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Beams Funeral Home, 200 Toledo Street, Fremont, IN (260.495.2915). Funeral services will at 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Rev. Jon Bruney to officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Dave’s favorite charity Wounded Warriors (support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate).