Obituary of Mike Wagner

Mike Wagner, age 74, of Loveland, CO passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021. Born on September 14th, 1947 and raised in Bridgeport, Illinois, Mike was the youngest of 5 children to Clara and Carroll Wagner. Mike was devoted to his country and community. At age 19 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a C-130 mechanic in Germany during the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the United States, Mike enrolled at Southern Illinois University where he met his wife, Peggy, and after marrying in 1973, moved to Colorado. He joined the Loveland Police Department in 1977 and held various positions including patrol officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and field training officer. He retired as a Sergeant in 2000 after 23 years of service. While he would say he "was just doing his job”, his impact on the community was so much more. While a dedicated civil servant, Mike is best remembered for being a trusted confidant with a warm heart and ornery demeanor. His compassionate words and open arms made him a father figure and mentor to many. He was a spoiler of grandchildren, a keeper of strays and a world class hugger. Outside of his family and career, Mike was an avid sports enthusiast who rode motocross, golfed, bowled and played basketball. He is one of the small group of athletes to hit a hole in one and bowl a perfect game. Even at 74 he could sink an outside shot and crush a golf ball. Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Peggy Wagner, his two children - Chris and his wife Katie Wagner, Kelly and her husband Jake Schmidt, his three grandchildren, Mallory, Lexi, and Bryce Wagner, and his pseudo children (niece and nephew) Erika and Joe Wenzel. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Mike’s honor to the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation