PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. - Kenneth Robert “Ken” Wagner passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family following a six-month battle with cancer.

Ken was born to George and Joyce (Jacobson) Wagner on July 10, 1947, in Racine, Wis. He graduated high school from Washington Park in Racine in 1965 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College where he also was co-captain of their football team. While at Wheaton he also played on their baseball team and in 1969 he played for Ventures for Victory, a baseball team preaching Christian ministry in the Philippines. Ken later earned his master’s degree in Education from Winona State University in 1975.

Ken was an educator and taught health and physical education for many years while also coaching various sports, including baseball, wrestling and football throughout several school districts in Wisconsin. The highlight of his career was when he became the head football coach at Carthage College in Kenosha. He made countless friendships as a coach and stayed in touch with many of his athletes over the years. Following his coaching and teaching roles, he transitioned to work for Racine Unified as the Director of Physical Education, Health and Safety. His next career move was to the State of Wisconsin in their Department of Public Instruction where he began as an Education Consultant for Physical Education -Division of Instruction Services and later focused on Title 9 and teacher licensing. He was also the liaison to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and was heavily involved in volunteering for many state athletic events around Wisconsin. Following his coaching days, Ken stayed involved in refereeing high school football.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends and cherished his annual fishing trips. He loved hosting people on the deck of his beautiful property in Prairie du Sac while enjoying the peace of the woods and the sounds of the Wisconsin river while watching the eagles soar overhead.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 11 years, Pam (Yunker) Wagner. He leaves behind his three beloved children whom he had with his first wife, Kathie (Mathes) Wagner of Belleville, Wis.; his son Zach (Jordana) Wagner of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and his twin daughters, Leah Tygum of Maple Grove, Minn., and Lacey (Herb) Endres of Cross Plains, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Mae, Jake and Luke Tygum, Ashton and Archer Endres, and Zoey and Dax Wagner; two step-sons, Casey (Lisa) Yunker of Racine and Lee Yunker of Prairie du Sac; four step-grandchildren, Henry, William, Cate and Sam Yunker; two cherished sisters, Julianne Wagner of Verona, Wis., and Pat Wagner of St. Paul, Minn.; as well as a number of nieces and cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, George and Joyce (Jacobson) Wagner of Racine; and his sister, Carol (Wagner) Bullmore of Buena Vista, Colo.

You are invited to come visit with Ken’s family at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023. There will be a brief pause for a prayer and comments at 4 p.m.

Memorials may be made to an organization of your choice.

Ken’s family would like to thank the oncology team at Sauk Healthcare and the hospice staff from ProMedica for their kindness and support over the past six months.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com http://www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Kenneth Robert Wagner

July 10, 1947 - March 09, 2023

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