Gerald “Jerry” Wagner, age 90, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born on November 10, 1935, he was the son of the late Carl and Alice (Kohrmann) Wagner. Jerry was a 1953 graduate of Central Catholic High School. In high school, Jerry, while serving as drum major and first chair clarinet, won the Class A State Marching Band Competition. He also holds the record for distance long jump in track and field. In 1957 he earned his bachelor’s degree from International Business College. He worked as an accountant for Central Soya in Decatur and later for Sanford Myers and DeWald. In 1964, Jerry started his own public accounting firm and dedicated himself to serving his clients.

When not working, Jerry enjoyed spending time at the lake riding his jet ski. He played chess competitively and loved all things Notre Dame and Bishop Dwenger. Jerry had a passion for his family. He raised six children with his wife, Donna, who passed away in 2018. Jerry not only attended all his children’s school events, but he coached all their sports as well, even starting his own Little League baseball team. Jerry also supported youth sports in his community by overseeing CYO track and field for over 25 years. Being passionate about not only his children’s, but all children’s athletics is something he will always be remembered for. Jerry also loved taking the kids on vacations to see the western United States, including several National Parks.

Jerry met and married Rita Wagner in his later years. They had seven wonderful years together and enjoyed spending time on Snow Lake, traveling, and being with their blended families. Jerry will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rita Wagner; children Kevin E (Cheryl) Wagner, Timothy L (Lori) Wagner, Karen S (Gregory) Couture, and Kimberly A (Larry) Lichtsinn; stepchildren, Pamela, Rebecca, Randall, Laurie, Dawn, John, and Jamie; daughters-in-law, Lori Wagner and Kimberly Wagner; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 17 step-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Jim) Wagner; and sister, Carlene Russell. Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna J. Wagner; sons, Robert “Bob” Wagner and John Wagner; stepdaughter Angela; brother, Ronald Wagner; and grandchildren, Nathan Booker and Sheli and Tommy Wagner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7215 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Burial will be at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne.

Memorials can be written to the Bishop Dwenger General Fund (bishopdwenger.com) in Jerry’s name. Fond memories and condolences can be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com for the family.