I've never had another teacher like Mr. Wagle. What a character! I was one of his students in the early 80s. He knew how to keep even distracted students like myself engaged. Who didn't love catching his tossed candy bars in quizzes? He was passionate about teaching and always available to students outside of class as well. He arranged for me to do independent study for one class and I learned so much sitting in the library reading about the 1920s. I also admired his willingness to stand for what he believed in, spending endless hours picketing. Thanks for many good memories and a good education Mr. Wagle. Rest in peace.

Mr Wagle was an amazing teacher.  I had his class in 1983.  He cared about his students, and showed his support and encouragement when the needs arose.
I was a brand new student in my first year in the U.S.  He was sympathetic and understanding as a teacher and a good listener.   RIP, Mr. Wagle!  You were the most unique teacher that I've ever known.  There's no one like you! Ever! ♥️

Mr. Wagle 🤔 hmmm where do I begin?...he was a tuff, brilliant, funny, crazy navy guy n I loved him!! He was also my favorite teacher hands down and I'll never forget him...r.i.p. wagle! Hope to see you on the other side...condolences to his family 🙏🏼

My condolences to the Waggle family. I am a former student of Larry Waggle's. I've thought about him often over the years, comparing my own experiences in the Navy with the stories he would often tell in class. He produced what is probably my favorite photograph of my wife, a portrait, one evening during a school dance. Her father still keeps that photo in a frame. I've also been writing him in as a write-in candidate for every uncontested position that shows up on my ballots. I know he touched a lot of lives in a positive way and there are a lot of former students that remember him well.

Mr. Wagle was an amazing individual with insight anyone from any walk of life could appreciate. One of my fondest memories of his class? He was late getting to the room. So, we took his desk. Put it outside the classroom facing the windows as we all turned our desks to face the outside. He actually laughed and started teaching from outside, then we helped him with his desk back into the classroom. 

Rest in Peace and “Rocka Voga Loga” 

Wayne Brittain

Our three children were in Mr Wagle’s history class. They were very impressed. His daring comments to his classes which were intended to provoke thought were incredible. As a history major myself I was thrilled that our children were able to experience history as something other than dates, battles and map tests. He was a great teacher. 

Randy Furman

I enjoyed Mr. Wagle’s history class. He made learning fun and I still remember some of his teachings and methods. I had his class in 1987/1988. Additionally, I enjoyed my discussions with him if I ran into him around the Longview, WA area. 
Jason Mellema
Mark Morris HS Class of 1988.

Mr. Wagle was one-of-a-kind and touched so  many lives.  I know I will never forget him.  Over the years I ran into him several times and he always remembered my name and would have a story about some interaction we had back in school.   He really gave his full effort and heart to his students, and I hope he knew how much we appreciated him.  Rest in peace Mr. Wagle.

Mr. Wagle was my favorite teacher. I was one of his top students in my class and he gave me a book on history, of course, in it he wrote “to a scholar of American History.” I still have the book and continue to browse through it. I would often see him in the library, nose deep in a book, most likely looking up sources for his brilliant letters to the editor. I loved seeing how much his letters irritated people here. Those who didn’t know him didn’t get his humor, but I would know and laugh. 
He always had time for students even long after we graduated and had kids of our own. 
Twenty years or so after graduating, I saw him picketing and pulled over to talk to him, and he still remembered me! Although my kids didn’t get a chance to have him as a teacher, they knew how special he was as well, and would stop and talk to him. 
I heard he had moved to the Lynnwood area and always hoped I could catch up to him one of the times I was up there. He was truly a scholar of American history, and a wonderful human being. Rest in peace, Mr. Wagle.

Send my condolences to his family, sorry for your loss, just know  He was a great teacher was always willing to take the time to listen and help. And loved his stories. He was loved. He will be remembered always.  😇❤️🙏Jackie Whitmer Carver  class of 1985

Mr. Waggle was a very unique person but that is what made him so great at teaching.  He found a way to reach us through his stories and banter.  He wanted us to learn but I think he actually cared about all of us.  I was extremely shy and he knew it but he always found ways to pull me out.  We had many fascinating conversations and he sparked my love of history.  And I don’t believe he ever forgot a face that belonged to one of his students. I know he never forgot mine.  He was not afraid to stand up for what he believed was right.  He tried to teach us all that even when he might have received some unwanted attention.  I won’t forget what he taught me and he has made a mark in so many of us.

Mr. Wagle was a controversial teacher for sure, but he taught me so much about life. He taught me to question my assumptions and not believe everything I was told. He was not intimidated by students who came in and tried to dominate the classroom - he used humor and kindness to turn things in his favor. He was a great human and I admired his strength of character. As a teacher myself, I try to use humor and unpredictability to reach students who don't want to be reached. Thanks Scary Larry, from Jayne's Brat Sister.

“Snibbler”!  Because of you (and my misbehavior in class) I memorized the Gettysburg Address, but I also won a lot of candy bars from your quizzes because of what you taught me.  I also had a great time chatting with you at school dances and “jockery” events:) RIP Mr Wagle!

RIP Mr. Wagle...he was my history teacher at Mark Morris High School back in the day...had a profound impact on my life.

Dear Family: I was with Larry all along at Mark Morris through good and bad times. We talked a lot and were good friends. I have recently been thinking of him and didn't know how to get in touch. He will always be in my heart...I will always carry the vision of him in his yellow raincoat with a picket sign for those in our community that had no voice. I can still hear the "Wagle woooop". R.I.P. Bro!

OBITUARY

Lawrence S Wagle Jr.

April 5, 1935 – September 6, 2023

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services