Richard "Dick" Wagner

TRAVERSE CITY—Richard “Dick” Cowles Wagner, 95, was welcomed into his savior’s arms on April 8, 2026. Dick was born on April 21, 1930 to Clifford Monroe Wagner and Clara Elizabeth (Wheeler) Wagner in Tecumseh, Mich.

When Dick was six years old, their home was destroyed by a fire, taking his father’s life. As a teen, his mother remarried and moved the family to Tustin, Mich., where Dick graduated from Tustin High in 1947.

When he was 15, Dick took a job on a cherry farm on the Old Mission Peninsula. There he met a sassy, fun-loving 13-year-old named Doris Mable Gray—the farmer’s daughter. After returning to work on the farm the next summer, he knew that cute little brunette was the one for him.

After graduation, he joined the Navy, was assigned to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier from 1948 to 1949, then served in the Reserves for several years before being honorably discharged.

Dick and Doris were not only some of the founding members of Faith Reformed Church, they were the first couple to be married there on August 14, 1951. Dick remained an active member until his death.

In 1952, they purchased an 80-acre combination cherry-and-dairy farm. Over the years, they added raspberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, and various vegetables. The cows eventually transitioned to pigs, then horses. They also kept chickens. The neighborhood asked for vegetables and flowers, and soon a thriving greenhouse business took the place of animal husbandry. He sold NACHURS Liquid Fertilizer and seed corn to other farmers as well. Through 57 years of greenhouse growing, Dick became well-known for growing perfect tomatoes and huge pumpkins.

Community involvement was important to Dick. At Faith Reformed Church, Dick served as a Deacon, Elder, Treasurer, Secretary and Sunday School Teacher.

He also helped start the Red 9 Fire & Rescue Department in East Bay Township, where he was a volunteer firefighter, first responder, and eventually became chaplain for the unit. In 1982, he was honored with Fireman of the Year. Dick was also instrumental in starting the ever-popular annual pancake breakfast, helping to raise funds for much needed equipment.

In 1963 he formed Cub Scout Pack 22 and became scoutmaster of Troop 22 as his boys grew in the program. Dick taught countless boys of all ages various wilderness and life skills while modeling for them how to become better men during his 50+ years of scouting.

He is preceded in death by parents, Clifford Wagner and Clara (Wheeler) (Wagner) Tessman; five step-siblings, Ed, Dorothy, Caroline, Wanda and Bob Tessman; brother, Russell “Bill” Wagner, daughter-in-law, Lottie (Udell) Wagner, and son-in-law Bob Hentschel.

Surviving are his wife, Doris (Gray) Wagner; children, Cliff (Pam Vandenberg), Kris (Victoria Alvorez), Deb Hentschel, and John (Teri); grandchildren Jenni (Aaron) Haney, Tiffany (Kent) Flesher, Loren Lamoreaux, Rob Hentschel, and Jason (Hannah King) Wagner; 18 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Edwin “Mike" (Peg), sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Wagner.

Dick’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., on April 16 at Faith Reformed Church, 1139 E Front St., Traverse City. A luncheon will follow. Afterward, there will be a procession from the church to Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3575 Veterans Dr., Traverse City.

At the graveside ceremony, Dick will be honored with fire & rescue and military honors, including a 21-gun salute.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Reformed Church, designated for community meals.

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