Elizabeth Ann Wagner

On August 15, 2023, a very kind lady died.  Betsy Wagner was born April 21, 1942 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the second of three children born to Lester R. and Martha H. Wagner. She attended Oshkosh High School, UW Oshkosh, UW Madison and Aurora University in Illinois, obtaining a Masters Degree in Education. Betsy began her teaching career in 1964 in Berlin, Wisconsin. She moved to Waukesha two years later and became an elementary school teacher in the Waukesha School System until her retirement. As a teacher, if she became aware of a student who was struggling or needed help of any kind,  Betsy was there advocating for them and doing whatever she could to help and invest in that student’s success.

Betsy’s caring extended far beyond teaching as she reached out to all who she thought she could help. She donated to causes she believed in and added her time and talents to them. Betsy loved to send cards on holidays, birthday’s and many other occasions to let everyone know she was thinking of them.

Betsy loved music, even before she could talk, singing and rocking back and forth using her own syllables. She sang in choirs in school and church and played piano. As an adult she attended concerts, plays, and supported the arts.

Betsy loved to travel with friends. Her favorite destinations were Ireland and Door County. She was an avid reader and had insatiable curiosity. She loved nature and was an advocate for the environment and was proud owner of 2 Prius’s.

Throughout her life, Betsy had a very strong faith that sustained her. When people are asked about Betsy, probably the first word you will hear is kind. She was always available to family and friends in good times and bad. Betsy was single all her life but had a large extended family of friends and students to whom she was devoted.

Betsy was a magical mix of all her talents and interests. That made her special to all of us.

Betsy is survived by her brother Dr. Stephen (Pat) Wagner of Marshfield and a sister Barb Wagner (John LaRocco) of Appleton, niece Amy Cappellino of Leesville SC, and nephews David Wagner of Marshfield and Ross LaRocco of Piedmont SC. She is further survived by many, many friends. All of us will miss her smile and her kindness, but are so happy she was part of our lives. Now she will remain in our hearts.

The family would like to thank the staff at Azura Memory Care and Angel’sGrace Hospice for their help and support. A very special shout out to Betsy’s many friends who reached out when Betsy needed a ride, took her out to eat, to church and concerts. If she needed anything, they stepped up to help. 

A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church in Pewaukee, Wisconsin on Monday, August 28, 2023. Visitation at 10:00 and Service at 11:00

In lieu of flowers, please honor Betsy with a donation to a charity that helps children in need.