Obituary: Dr. Nicholas R. Wagener

Dr. Nicholas R. Wagener, 85, of Ellenton, FL, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, WI, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center in Palmetto, FL.

He was born April 24, 1932 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Capt. Nicholas J. Wagener and Mercedes E. (DeJardine) Wagener. Nicholas graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1950, where he met his high school sweetheart, Gretna Ann Weber. They were united in marriage on October 4, 1952 in La Grange, IL. Nicholas attended medical school, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1958. He served his country with the United States Army, stationed overseas in Germany before returning to Door County in 1962. Nicholas was a practicing physician in Sturgeon Bay for over 35 years until his retirement in 1994.

He shared his love of music, fishing, hiking, cards, hunting, biking, camping, cross-country skiing, sailing, horseback riding, canoeing, wine making and scuba diving with his children, grandchildren, cousins, and many friends. Nicholas was a wonderful storyteller, lifelong learner, and accomplished musician. He lived his life to the fullest, not only sharing his passions with all, but also instilling the belief that an individual’s potential was limitless. Nicholas was incredibly proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

He will be missed by his loving wife, Gretna, with whom was blessed with 65 years of marriage; four children, Laura Wagener Warwick of Sturgeon Bay, Cheryl Wagener (Atty John B.) Zadrazil, Atty N. Andrew (GiGi) Wagener, and Dr. Christopher (Dr. Ann) Wagener, all of Appleton; his twelve grandchildren, Gary Joe, Stephen, Michael, and Andrea Warwick; Ryan and Alexander Zadrazil; Brooke and Paige Wagener; and Delaney, MaryEllen, Mathew and David Wagener; great grandchildren; two sisters and one brother, Pam Defere of Arizona, William Wagener of California, and Cindy Jennings of Oregon.

Nicholas was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James Wagener (formerly of Manitowoc).

His life will be honored with a memorial service held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Entombment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery columbarium.

A celebration of his life will continue at the Red Oak Winery, 3017 Enterprise Rd., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 on Saturday, November 25, 2017.

Service times will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nicholas’ honor may be given for the Alzheimer’s Association, 331 Packerland Dr. Suite E, De Pere, WI  54115.