Marlene Helen Wagner

Marlene Helen Wagner (Zimmerman) was born December 9, 1936, in Monroe, WI, the fourth of six children of Wilbert Zimmerman and Elsie Zimmerman (Hartwig). She peacefully passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 89 in Sun City, Arizona.

Marlene grew up on her parent’s farm and worked as a nanny in Monroe during high school. Later, she went to beauty school in Milwaukee. She dreamed of moving to a warm climate during the cold and windy Wisconsin winter days, and made her dream come true by moving to Phoenix, Arizona in the mid-1950s. There she was licensed and worked as a beautician. She quickly took to the desert climate.

In 1956, at Bob’s Big Boy restaurant in Phoenix, Marlene met eyes with the love of her life, William (Bill) Wagner. Unfortunately, she was on a date with another at the time. As her date was paying the check, Bill saw his chance. Walking past, he discreetly placed a card with a note in her coat pocket as she waited near the cashier. They dated and were married within the year, followed by a loving marriage of over 62 years. The couple moved to Sun City, AZ after Bill retired and enjoyed their time together there until his passing in 2020. She kept his card in her top drawer over the years.

After marriage, Marlene worked part-time in a beauty salon and then obtained a teaching certification in cosmetology. Later she worked at Catalina Elementary School and then at Alhambra High School in the 1970s and early 1980s as an Instructional Aide. She enjoyed the energy of being around the students and was usually right there with them as a fan of the latest music.

First and foremost, Marlene was a devoted mother and wife. Marlene and Bill had two children, a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Barton King of Tucson, AZ, and a son and daughter-in-law William R. and Angelica Wagner of Pittsburgh, PA, and two grandsons William R. Wagner and Weston G. Wagner. She will remain forever in her children’s and grandchildren’s hearts for her unwavering love, support and commitment, as well as her delivery of the perfect Christian wisdom for the particular challenge being faced in her loved one’s life.

Marlene lived her Christian faith with courage, spirit and quiet confidence. While she will be deeply missed by her family, she has returned to her Lord and Savior and has left this world a better place because of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marlene’s name to the March of Dimes.

No memorial service is planned. Those who knew Marlene are encouraged to remember her and her wonderful life in their own way.