John Thaddeus Wagner

John T. Wagner age 84 passed away at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh on Thursday, March 6, 2026 after a short illness.

John was born on June 15, 1941 to George E. Wagner and Marian G. (Williamson) Wagner in Westfield, Massachusetts

John attended Oshkosh High School and graduated in 1959. After graduation, John entered the

U.S. Army and served as a Paratrooper with the 82"' Airborne Division which made him extremely proud. John also successfully completed his advanced individual training as an "Honest John" Rocket Launcher Crewman. John completed his military service in June of 1962. During the next several years he worked at Rockwell International, Morgan Doors and several other local businesses.

John began attending college at Wisconsin State University Oshkosh as it was called in 1964. He worked his way through college graduating June 1, 1968 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education.

John started his teaching career at Webster Stanley Junior High and the following year was hired as an 8th grade Social Studies and English teacher at South Park Middle School. He later focused on 8th grade Social Studies. John was blessed with a talent to communicate with his students.

Early in his teaching career, he coached Track and Wrestling. For 10 years, John took his students to Washington D.C. over Spring Break for a 3-day educational field trip. He also spent many lunch hours playing the game Risk with groups of students. John conducted Civil War re-enactments with students at South Park and one year even brought his canoe. He spent 29 years teaching before his retirement.

John had an active life outside of school. He was a Black belt in FU Jow PAI (Tiger Claw Karate) and taught classes at AM-DO-TAO Kung Fu Tiger Claw Self-Defense in Oshkosh. John also had a Paintball outfitting business.

He was an avid Sportsman with a passion for Waterfowl hunting and spent many hours in the marsh. He also loved Bow Deer season, having shot many Bucks over the years.

John is survived by his close friends, Ky & Kelly Rasmussen, Pam Persick, Barb Spellman, Tom & Linda Moore, Kathy Schlichting, Arlene (Mert) Kroll, Andy & Janelle Kroll and their children.

Special thanks to Stephanie and Kelly and the staff at Country Villa Assisted Living in Omro for their care during his short stay with them.

Visitation for John will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4-6pm with a service to follow at Konrad Behlman Funeral Home, 100 Lake Point Dr. Oshkosh.