Peter Wagner

Peter A. Wagner, 84, of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin passed away on August 8, 2025 after a brief illness. Born in Fond du Lac on July 14, 1941 to Edmund and Cordula (Abler) Wagner, “Pete” was the oldest of five siblings. He attended Holy Family Catholic School (formerly St. Joseph) and St. Mary Springs Academy.

Pete studied music, a lifelong passion, at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and went on to earn a Masters in Instrumental Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. His musical career included directing the Lomira School band program and Cuba City Elementary band program where he taught and inspired young musicians. A highlight for Pete was producing a concert band album with his high school students. Pete also earned a Post-graduate Specialist Degree in School Administration from Winona State University in Minnesota which prepared him for his administrative roles in the Shullsburg and Elkhart Lake public schools.

Pete married Diane (Olson) of Kewanee on November 19, 1966 and together they raised three daughters, Elizabeth Wagner (Tim Leek), Susan Cushman (Stuart) and Trisha Wagner-Suchanek (Jim Suchanek). A great joy of Pete’s life was spending time with his five grandchildren, Charles, Robin, Erin, Claire and Anders.

Pete created wonderful lasting memories with family and friends through his many hobbies, including golf, camping, carpentry, gardening, travel and performing in the Kiel Municipal Band. Summer days at the beach in Elkhart Lake and at Peninsula State Park will be cherished forever by Pete’s family.

Brought up in the Roman Catholic tradition, Pete led a life of faith and shared his gifts of music, carpentry and teaching with the church community.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Pete is survived by his sister Judy (Larry) Lechner, brothers Brian (Cindy) Wagner, Bruce Wagner, and Fred (Sally) Wagner, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Elkhart Lake. Visitation will take place from 10:00am-12:00pm, with Mass to follow at 12:00pm, Fr. Subi Thomas officiating.