John T. Wagner, a resident of Cleveland, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the age of 51. Born on February 4, 1973, in Pennsylvania, John Wagner, or John T. as he was known to many, was recognized from a young age for his innate mechanical curiosity and talent.
Even in his childhood, John Wagner displayed a remarkable aptitude for mechanics. He wasn’t just interested in taking things apart; by the age of ten, he was skillfully reassembling them, often making them function even better than before. This early talent led to his first entrepreneurial endeavor at just ten years old when he earned $2.00 and an ice cream cone for successfully assembling a neighbor’s barbeque grill. Growing up, John Wagner also enjoyed playing soccer and cherished his pony, Apache. His loyal Irish Setter, Sean, was a constant protector and companion, reflecting John’s lifelong affection for animals.
As John Wagner entered adulthood, his passion for mechanics translated into his professional life. One of his early positions was at Waterbeds Unlimited. He then spent many years honing his skills as a marine mechanic at Sheboygan Powersports, formerly Thomson Marine. John Wagner was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and relished any opportunity to ride on the open road on a sunny day. Beyond his professional work, John dedicated his spare time to his beloved “super-secret hot rod garage,” where he passionately worked on cars and motorcycles. His mechanical expertise extended to community service as well, as he generously volunteered his time repairing boats for the Sheboygan County Marine Unit.
John Wagner was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his son, Clinton Buck-Wagner; his mother, Karen Wilhelm; his sister, Melissa (Gary Buechler) Wagner; nephews, Indigo Richards and Logan Buechler; and numerous other relatives and friends.
John Wagner was predeceased by his sister, Stacia Wagner; his father, John H. Wagner; and his stepfather, Gene Wilhelm.
A memorial gathering in remembrance of John Wagner will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Zimmer Westview, W2132 Garton Rd., Sheboygan, WI 53083.
