Nick "Lardy" L. Wagner

Nick “Lardy” L. Wagner of Birch Run, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away suddenly with his family by his side on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. He was 84 years old. Nick Louis Wagner was born on June 27, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Michael Zuhajewicz and Esther R. (Symons) Wagner. He was a proud 1959 graduate of Saginaw High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army serving state side until his honorable discharge. Upon his return, he began working at General Motors – Steering Gear working in the plastics department with over 25 years of loyal and dedicated service. Through friends, he met Linda. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on October 4, 1977; she survives him. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted, husband, father, and grandfather. Family was his little piece of heaven and made his heart feel full. As a young man he enjoyed running and participated in many races over the years. An avid outdoorsman, Nick loved the outdoors. It didn’t matter if he was hunting, fishing, taking long walks in the woods, or feeding the animals, he was in awe with and respected nature. He and Linda also enjoyed eating breakfast with friends at Fuzzy’s. He will forever be remembered as a loving teaser, for his selfless devotion to his family, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Linda J. Wagner of Birch Run; four children: Donald (Janis) Jaksa of Chicago; Nick “Twerp” (Colleen May) Wagner of Deshler, OH; Robert (Jeanna) Wagner of Chesaning; Victoria (Mike) Kwater of Frankenmuth; nine grandchildren; a sister, Lena Mavis of Bridgeport. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Esther Wagner; nine siblings: Albert, Lawrence “Pete”, William “Bill”, Alexander “Butch”, Richard “Dick”, Michael “Mike”, Henrietta “Dolly”, Mary, and Betty.

A funeral service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Highway, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Michael Speckhard will officiate. Military honors will follow under the auspices of the United State Army and American Legion Post 22. Honoring Nick’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.