Donald Thomas Wagner

Donald Thomas Wagner, born in Chicago, IL on June 30, 1971, died suddenly on Saturday October 10, 2026 in Joliet, IL.

Don graduated from William H Taft High School. He was a painter and a sound engineer, but the occupation he was most proud of was US Marine. He was a man of varied interests including cooking (he was a fantastic & creative cook!) making fabulous Italian cuisine and being the "grill master" on the grill. He was a Mason and a devoted Catholic. He loved his Harley and enjoyed tinkering with cars. Don never met a craft he wouldn't try, working with leather, sewing and even making soap! An animal lover, he will be missed by his beloved, Ruger but is reunited with Boots and Specs. He was a music lover and a history buff. He was a water polo champ with his daughter Nikki and a football "super fan" with his son Donnie. Don did not shy away from any household chore and could often be found outside working in the yard and fixing any of the many things that could go wrong with a house.

He was preceded in death by his father Donald Thompson Wagner and his mother Joanne Wagner (née Waitkus).

Don is survived by his beloved wife Margaret (who he loved so much he married her 3 times!); and his loving children Donald Emil Wagner and Nicole Giavonna Wagner. He was the big brother to Matthew (Geraldine) Wagner, Mark Wagner, and John (the late Joanie) Wagner. Don was a wonderful brother-in-law to Lili (the late Joe) Anderson, Patti (Bill) Kasza and Ken (Liesl) Orenic. He was Uncle Don to Mary, Jessica and William (Kim) Kasza, Frances and Lucinda Orenic, Mason, Grant, Ashley, Jordan, Austyn, Vincent, Michael, and Gregory Wagner, and Jessica Mausolf. He was Great Uncle Don to Colton Kasza, Madelynn Stock, Kelsey, Lucille, and Lyla Kasza and Maximus Sadjak.

Don always had a story to tell and loved being surrounded by friends and lots of laughter. He was devoted to his family and will be missed by all who loved him. Guard the gates, Don! May you rest in peace in the arms of God!

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435.