Eric Wagener

Eric Wagener, of Whitehouse, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Mercy Health - Perrysburg Hospital.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage; his daughter, Erin Rodriguez and her husband, Ricardo; his daughter, Betsy (Liz) Blutman and her husband, Steve; his son, Ted Wagener and his wife, Becky; and his son, Micah Wagener.

He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Selina, Ricky, Erica, Olivia, Teddy, Archer, Randall, and Maeven; and by his four great-grandchildren, Kalia, Bélen, Everett, and River.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Mary Lou Wagener; his brother, Tim Wagener; his brothers-in-law, Richard Monto and Richard Zieroff; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joanna and Ted Randall.

Eric graduated from St. Joseph's School and later from Maumee High School. He earned his bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and later received his master's degree from The University of Toledo.

After college, Eric began his career teaching at St. Joseph's School. He later served as principal at St. Jerome's, Blessed Sacrament, and St. Patrick's of Heatherdowns. During his years as principal at St. Patrick's, Eric also worked a second job on the Ohio Turnpike, first collecting tolls and later serving as a supervisor for more than 10 years.

Outside of his professional life, Eric was deeply involved in the world of American Kennel Club dog shows as both a handler and judge. He also dedicated more than 15 years to the local Miss Ohio Scholarship Program and Miss America Organization, contributing his time and support to young women in the community.

Eric's life reflected perseverance, sacrifice, and devotion to family. Whether serving as an educator, working long hours on the Ohio Turnpike, or supporting his children and grandchildren, he quietly dedicated himself to providing for those he loved. While Eric was often considered the quietest among his siblings, in a family like the Wageners, that was a little like being the quietest jackhammer - his presence, humor, and personality were still impossible to miss. He certainly never needed a microphone to speak to a crowded room, but he was also a wonderful listener who never felt the need to talk just to hear himself speak. Eric had a gift for making friends everywhere he went and left a lasting impression on countless people throughout his life.

Visitation and viewing services for Eric will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, located at 501 Conant Street, Maumee, Ohio 43537. A prayer service will also be held at 7:00pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, as are memorial donations to the Pelotonia Foundation by donating directly to the general Forward Fund or to Eric's son's Pelotonia Ride Page. In keeping with Pelotonia's mission, 100% of all funds raised are directed toward cancer research at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Eric received treatment at The James over the last two years, and thanks to continued innovations in cancer treatment, cancer was not what ultimately took him from us.

Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.