NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, MI – Richard John Wagner, age 85, of Negaunee, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Richard John Wagner was born on May 12, 1940, in Trout Creek, MI, and later moved to Wisconsin. Forever an entrepreneur, he started his own television and radio repair company while still in high school. From 1963 – 1965 he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. He always said it was the best job he ever had. Of course, the fact that he had a private helicopter or plane assigned to him for travel throughout Germany and France may have swayed his opinion.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, he continued his entrepreneurship and established an electronics business in Marquette, MI. Following some major health problems - he sold his business and became a hospice Volunteer Coordinator. A position he thoroughly enjoyed. Throughout life's journey he considered everyone he met a "friend".

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn; a sister, Julie (Jeff is deceased) Ekegren, and a brother, Jon (Shiela) Wagner both of Minnesota. Along with a host of brothers and sisters in faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene "Gene" Wagner and Miriam "Marion" (Besonen) Wagner of Wisconsin; and siblings, Diana (Vernon also deceased) Ruuska of Texas, Gerald (Mary) Wagner of Minnesota, Eugene Wagner of Arizona, and Jill (Rob) Hietala of Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Monday, December 22, 2025, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Speaker Don Johnson will be officiating.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.