Richard E. Wagner

Wagner, Dick (Richard E.), USAF (Ret.), preceded in death by his parents, Edward (Buzz) and Barbara (Bobbie).​Survived by Jean (Virginia Sullivan); his children, Kim (Al) Lewis, Greg (Tammy), Tammy (Bob) Schabacker, and Susie Schutter; as well as his grandchildren, Ashley, Nathan, Ryan, Kayla, Trey, and Ava; and his great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Zach, Eleanor and Emelia; and a multitude of friends made throughout his many years as an over-the-road truck driver and tour bus driver/guide.​He especially enjoyed his time as a “roadie” for Roadshow out of California, including trips with Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and especially Thanksgiving with Pearl Jam. Another driving highlight was his years driving the Shattuck-St. Mary’s hockey team, which included future stars Zach Parise and Sidney Crosby.​Dick was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 16, 1941. He grew up on the West Side, attended St. Matthew’s grade school and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1959. Following graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dick served with the 934th Airlift Wing, including a tour in Vietnam, retiring in 1979 after 20 years of service. Dick was a member of the Rosetown American Legion Post 542 in Roseville, Minnesota. Dick married Jean on May 9, 1964 and they had four children. Dick and Jean enjoyed many years of motorcycle travel with late sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kate and Jerry Kellerman. This is when Dick became an avid motorcyclist. Dick was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), Minnesota Chapters “Q” and “G”, and won many awards, including “Best in Show” at Americade in Estes Park, Colorado.​Dick enjoyed sports, especially softball and hockey. He played catcher for the COG in the West St. Paul Men’s Fastpitch League for many years. Dick was also a hockey referee for 35 years from Mites to Junior A. Dick also enjoyed auto racing from dirt tracks to NASCAR, attending dirt track races at Elko Speedway and several Daytona 500’s. Dick and Jean’s love for adventure moved from land to water where they enjoyed many years of boating with friends and family at marinas on the Mississippi in Minnesota and Wisconsin, mainly in Lake City and Inver Grove Heights. Dick particularly enjoyed his time as a member of the 1990 Vulcan Krewe as Grand Duke Fertilious. He remained involved in Carnival through Fire & Brimstone, attended many festival and Heritage Foundation events and had the pleasure to drive for both the Royal Family and Vulcan Krewes.​Dick had a passion for driving, zest for life, loved to laugh and have a good time, and to his family he was larger than life. One of his greatest loves in life was his children and grandchildren.   Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 2 at ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 380 Little Canada Road, Little Canada.  Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation AT THE CHURCH Tuesday from 1 – 2PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.