Donald L. Wagner, age 88 of Monroe, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.
Born February 8, 1936 in Monroe, Don was the son of the late Lewis and Ruth (Marshall) Wagner. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1953 and married Marlene J. Dietrich on September 29, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church and raised three children. As a family, they went on several trips that included Cancun, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Hawaii.
While still in high school, Don began working for the Monroe Evening News, a career that spanned 50 years. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed all Detroit pro sports teams along with University of Michigan. Don refereed soccer and played softball for many years in the Monroe area and also enjoyed bowling, woodworking, tinkering around the house and yard, and especially attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marlene Wagner; his children, Debbie Newman of Monroe, Scott (Tina) Wagner of Monroe, and Julie (Rich) Menzel of Lambertville, MI; seven grandchildren: Chad (Amy) Newman, Jennifer (Carson) Poupard, Lindsey (Jeremy) Riggs, Katelyn (fiancé, T.J. Hubbard) Wagner, Andrew Wagner, Kyle (Alexis) Menzel, and Kelsey (fiancé, Chad Smoyer) Menzel; eleven great-grandchildren: Brooks, Briggs, Ayden, Ryder, Dylan, Jaxson, Henley, Wyatt, Remi, Roscoe, and Nolan.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mike Newman.
Family and friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 2nd at Bacarella Funeral Home where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Rev. Dennis Mann of Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial donations are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society, or to the Michael Newman Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Community Foundation of Monroe County, 9 Washington St., Monroe, MI 48161.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .