Jack Dean Wagner was born in Columbus, IN on June 29, 1942 to Kenneth and Irene Wagner, and had one brother, Jim. Jack grew up in Columbus and graduated from Columbus North High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Hickey in 1959 and they had 2 sons – Vance (Becky) of Grand Junction, CO and Mark (Julie) of Evergreen, CO. In addition to Vance and Mark, Jack leaves behind his grandchildren – Ashley (Sean) Hein, Vance (Kelly) Wagner Jr, Brad (Anna) Wagner, Jack Wagner and John Wagner, and great-grandchildren – Bergen & Soren Hein, and Benjamin & Sam Wagner, along with many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, wife Carol, and companion Sue Barr.
Jack spent his professional career as a Parts Manager for several automotive brands. You could show him a part off a vehicle, and he could rattle off the part number and tell you where it was located in the shop – it was remarkable!
Outside of work, Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, silhouette shooting, gun collecting and reloading. He loved spending time with his boys and buddies, especially hunting big game and pheasant. He was a dedicated Bronco and NASCAR fan.
As a kid, Jack was a boxer, and we are told that he fought Cassius Clay before he became Muhammed Ali – we’re pretty sure Jack didn’t win that fight!
We lost Jack on February 16,2020 after a brief hospital stay. We take comfort in knowing that he was surrounded by the love of family and friends In his final days.
Jack was a genuinely good man who loved his family, friends and dog Yukon. He was always willing to lend a hand to help a friend or neighbor, had a goofy grin when he was joking around, and was an expert at giving “wet willies” to his grandkids. We will miss Jack’s patterned sweaters, “Hey, Buddy. How ya doin’s,” pockets full of Dum-Dum’s, charred steak dinners – but most of all his kind spirit. Rest in Peace, Buddy.
Visitation for Jack will be held on February 21, 2020 from 1pm until the time of the service at 2pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. Burial will follow at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery.
Donations in Jack's name may be made to:
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Inc: https://www.rmef.org/memorials-honoraria/
OR
Pheasants Forever: https://www.pheasantsforever.org/Donations.aspx
