Rev. Dr. William “Bill” W. Wagner age 84 of Beloit, WI died Sunday February 16, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1940, to Wesley and Alice (Schmidt) Wagner in Sheboygan, WI. Bill graduated from Concordia College, Seward NE in 1963. Bill married Joy Hawkins on July 26, 1964, in Topeka, KS. In 1973 he enrolled at Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Il and was ordained in 1975.

Bill began his career of service as a teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Utica, NE and then later taught at St Paul’s Lutheran School Grafton, WI before going to the seminary. He then served as a parish pastor for 40 years in Sheboygan, WI, Sharon, WI, Beloit WI, and Lake Geneva, WI. Bill also loved serving as a fire and police chaplain for both the City of Beloit and Town of Beloit and as a hospital chaplain at various regional hospitals. He was honored to have been recognized by many organizations for his faithful service as an involved and caring chaplain. Bill was recognized as a leader in starting and supporting a variety of chaplaincy programs. Among the many honors he received, Bill was awarded the John A. Price Excellence in Chaplaincy Award in 2002 by the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) and the Wisconsin Chapter of ICPC’s annual award for excellence in chaplaincy is named the William Wagner Award after Bill. As a chaplain he often had to bring unwelcome news to hurting people which he always did by sharing God’s love and the good news of a loving Savior with great love and empathy.

Bill loved his family deeply and would often say, “If I were any better, I couldn’t stand it.” His family will miss dearly his kind heart, optimistic outlook on life, and unwavering sense of humor (Dad joke alert!), and takes great comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus now and better than ever. He is survived by his wife, and the love of his life, Joy; his three children, Trevin Wagner Brent (Kimberlee) Wagner and Kendra (Jared) Rahberg; his grandchildren, Tatum (Jonathen) Robey, Reilly (Ryan) Vegrzyn, Abigail Wagner, Annabella Wagner, and Natalie Wagner; and great-granddaughter Claire Robey.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother James.

Bill’s Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday February 24, 2025, at OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH, 416 W. Geneva Street, Delavan, WI with Rev. Jonah Burakowski officiating. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit and again on Monday in Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment in Eastlawn Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on our website.