Richard Frederick Wagner
Richard Frederick Wagner
Obituary
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Richard Wagner Obituary
He was married for 72 years to Madge M. Wagner, the love of his life. Together they built a family and a legacy grounded in faith, devotion, and laughter.
Raised in Eden, Texas, he left home at the age of 12 to attend Concordia School in Austin, beginning his lifelong path toward ministry. He later attended the seminary in St. Louis, graduating in 1953. His first church was in Cloverdale, California; he then accepted a call in 1958 to Pilgrim Lutheran in Bellevue, Washington. In 1970, he moved his family to Trinity Lutheran in downtown Houston, where he retired in September of 1994.
Richard was a man who loved life, people, and above all, Jesus. He found great joy in fishing, gardening, spoiling his beloved wife, singing loudly, and sharing his faith with everyone he met. He especially loved writing to hundreds of family, friends, and those in need - always offering encouraging thoughts and a copy of Portals of Prayer. Many will remember his Christmas letters, which he faithfully sent out for over 50 years.
Richard is survived by his wife, Madge, and his children: Taby Perkovich; Matt and Kathy Wagner; Cody and Ken Mohnke; Johanna Gravesmill and Tim Jenkins; Marta and Roy Scarpato; and Christina and Kevin Putman.
He was a proud grandfather to Bradley, Jessie, Kim, Alea, Travis, Colt, and Harley; Devin, Michelle, Max, and Daniel; Seth, Jared, and Karissa; Shayne, Luke, and Sam; and Preston and Hannah. He was blessed with many great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings Amy Ward, Joan Bushong, and Al Wagner.
A viewing will be held Saturday at Klein Funeral Home – Champions, with visitation from 3–5 p.m.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Downtown Houston.
In lieu of flowers, please give to Lutheran World Relief.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom and Deborah Husak
November 24, 2025
Pastor was a light in our lives. He lived the gospel and shared it in his laugh, his words, and the life he lived. We remember him with love, and we rejoice that we knew him. He rests with the Lord. With love, Tom and Deborah Husak
Tom Husak
November 23, 2025
One of our favorite fishing spots was "Carl Five Fish´s" pond. He got that name because he would limit our catch to five fish. But we didn´t care. We always came away with two dozen bass! I miss my fishing buddy. May his memory be a blessing. Bop
Keith & Cindy Williams
November 22, 2025
Our sincerest condolences. What a beautiful tribute and legacy. We hope that the memories and stories shared provide comfort. We love you and continue to pray for your peace during this difficult time. God bless you. Keith & Cindy Williams
Cherry Gonzales
November 22, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the family. May prayers of comfort and the wonderful memories in your hearts bring healing and peace. Beautiful family (Johanna -we love you all) Cherry & Johnny Gonzales
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Bryan Miller
November 16, 2025
pax requiem.
Rev Wagner was my favorite fill in pastor at Bethany Lutheran in Austin when he was a member. His sermons were enthusiastic to say the least. The messages were good too.
We at Bethany could always count on him to distribute the quarterly Portals Of Prayer at Sunday services ust as soon as copies were received.
Lynn Tharp
November 12, 2025
Kelly and I were blessed to have Pastor Wagner marry us in 1993. He was a joy back then and will always be in our hearts. God bless the family.
Daniel and Susan Karloski
November 9, 2025
We really liked Pastor Wagner. Both when we were members at Trinity and when he was a guest speaker at Epiphany in Pearland. He always greeted us with a smile on his face. Daniel and Susan Karloski.
Connie Findeisen Michalsky
November 8, 2025
Pastor Wagner and his family , along with Pastor Black and his family were the best and their service to our Lord was an inspiration to us all growing up at Trinity Lutheran. We are all blessed and better because of his direction and teaching of God´s word ! Connie Sue (Findeisen)Michalsky
Kathleena Scarpato
November 7, 2025
Joe and I will always cherish this memory...we were so honored he was part of our wedding.
Mrs Noel Chisholm
November 6, 2025
Pastor Wagner was so kind to our family and gave wise spiritual counseling to us at a difficult time. My condolences to the entire family. He always had a smile on his face and was filled with his love for Our Lord. He was an exceptional person
and we loved his sermons.
Noel Chisholm
Al B Wagner
November 6, 2025
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert W Smith
November 5, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the whole family. I enjoyed being around all of the at Trinity Downtown. Couldn't have been a better family.
Bob Smith on the great Lake Sam Rayburn in Deep East Texas.,
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16131 Champion Forest Dr., Klein, TX 77379
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