Having just returned home from a ten day sojourn to Washington, DC, I'm still opening my mail and catching up with myself. I was sad to read in the latest issue of the newsletter of the Sappington-Concord Historical Society that one of the most knowledgeable historians of our area passed away on December 30th. I am sorry and surprised I didn't read or hear about it before now. I have spent some time gathering information and hope you will all read about Mr. Wagner as we called him. I had the
privilege of spending an evening with him in more recent years and was
reminded of his strong force in the historical activities of our area,
what a treasure! He was one of my teachers also at KHS. I had never known he held a PhD and had never heard him referred to or called "Dr. Wagner". What a shame, the honor was his due. The obituary and comments are copied from www.legacy.com and the articles from the SCHS Newsletter, Spring, 2017. SORRY, I have changed the photos of the articles 4 times and still don't have it large enough. If you go to the first two pages and right click, then do it again, the text will enlarge a bit! I can't figure out why it won't enlarge more! It's worth the trouble to read it though...
Obituary from Legacy.com: Wagner, Ross A. of Sappington, asleep in
Jesus, December 30, 2016. Son of the late Christian R. and Lorina A.W. (nee
Klingemann) Wagner. Mr. Wagner was a Charter Member of the Lutheran Church of the
Resurrection, Sappington-Concord Historical Society, Affton Historical Society,
Save Grant's White Haven, Member of the Carondelet Historical Society,
Concordia Historical Institute, St. Louis Genealogical Society and Concord
Farmer's Club. No Services; Internment St. Lucas Cemetery.
jim perry February 02, 2017 | Maplewood, NJ
Mr. Wagner was
fun. Had fun. Made fun. Personified droll.
katherine forsyth katte January 22, 2017 |
Milwaukee, WI
“Mr. Wagner
opened up the world to me. I have so many fond and amusing memories from being
in his class in the 1970s! We went through Nixon opening China together. US
History gained new dimensions in his class. He brought out our intelligence and
demanded we think.
Though he likely never knew it, he
inspired me to become a teacher, and I believe his influence and all that I
gained in his presence has been spread still further through my own practice.
May Mr. Wagner Rest In Peace.
sally Bernard January 22, 2017 | Arden, NC
“One of the
best teachers I ever had. It was a privilege to have been one of his students.
Rest in peace.
barbara nabe January 22, 2017
“Although many
years have flown by, I have often thought of this wonderful, bright man with
respect and gratitude in my life. He was by far the best teacher I had in high
school by motivating you to excel. Work and come to class fully prepared. I
frequently quoted him to my own daughters as they went through school: "A
word to the wise is sufficient therein." Thank you, Mr. Wagner, for
enhancing so many lives.
captain
william bonsack January 21, 2017 | O'Fallon, MO
“Mr Wagner was
a man that taught each of us as individuals but taught the class. The class of
1976 was blessed to have been touched by him. He was truly an icon that has
remained with me into adulthood. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his
hand and may you walk with him along calm and still waters. Until we meet
again. May God shed his light on your family and may they relish in the
memories of all that was and is good.
stephen eson January 21, 2017 |
Philadelphia, PA
“I was
concerned when I did not receive a Christmas card from Ross this year and was
saddened to learn of his passing. He was my history teacher at Kirkwood High
School for two different classes in 1971 and 1972, and was without a doubt the
most influential teacher I ever had. I had intended to visit him this coming
March as I do every time I return to St. Louis. May he rest in peace, and may
his remaining family take comfort in the knowledge of the enrichment he gave
for so many.
john Hopkins January 21, 2017 | Chesapeake, VA
“Mr. Wagner
could be exacting, and enthralling at the same time. He could get you to think
about historical figures in a human, almost personal context...as if you could
put yourself into their place. He would also relate stories about past
students, and you could see the pride in his face while he would tell you about
them. I don't know if he told any about me or not,...although I did use him as
a reference when I was applying for my security clearance. Not related to AP
History, but he also...
gwyneth Williams January 21, 2017 | St.
Louis, MO
“Ross Wagner
was the single most important teacher I ever had (including grad school). He
introduced us to the work of various historians, taught us to think--and
write--analytically, and refused to water down his academic expectations.
Beyond that, he had a wicked sense of humor and the ability to engage students
of all types. I was honored when he attended my father's funeral. Rest In
Peace, Mr. Wagner: your life's work echoes beyond anything you could have
imagined.
bronwyn Williams January 21, 2017 |
Louisville, KY
“Ross Wagner
was one the best teachers I've ever had, and part of the reason I went into
teaching myself. And he continued to be good friend and mentor after I went off
to college. I will miss talking world events with him. I will miss the Margaret
Rutherford Society. I will miss his laughter. A good, good man.
January 21, 2017
“Ross was a
wonderful teacher. I always enjoyed visiting him when I came to St. Louis. God
bless you Ross.
jeanne Jarvis January 05, 2017 | Glencoe,
MO
“Impossible to
calculate the impact he had as an AP history teacher at Kirkwood High. We who
were privileged to study under him are still informed by his unconventional
insights and challenging teaching methods. And all that "Gonchagaschmiraria."
He left an impressive legacy and I was honored to share a beer with him as an
adult.
susan croce Kelly January 05, 2017 |
Gravois Mills, MO
“Ross Wagner
was probably the most important teacher I ever had. He was a wonderful educator
who fussed at us in German, shared wise insights, had a sly sense of humor and
taught us that learning history could be interesting and fun.
jim denigan January 04, 2017 | St. Louis,
MO
“A long-time
family friend and an outstanding human being. None finer.
sappington-concord historical society
January 03, 2017 | South St. Louis County, MO
“The
Sappington-Concord Historical Society offers its deepest sympathy to the family
of our late founding member ROSS A. WAGNER on his recent passing.
His many contributions and foresight
added a distinctive leaven to the development of the mission and effectiveness
of our historical society--and we are both grateful and remembering of his
involvement and accomplishments.
scott mcallister January 03, 2017 | Raleigh, NC
“Ross, Mr.
Wagner, was a fabulous teacher and a friend. I am so glad that my son got to
meet him last year. He had the boldness to teach history with the world view
that applied to actors at that time. If that meant learning about the Russian
Orthodox Church, then he taught us about it. He had treated his AP class
students like college students; a humbling experience and such a good lesson. I
loved hearing about the local history from him as well as in class. He will be
missed.
wayne laurentius January 03, 2017 | Perryville,
MO
“We will miss
our dear friend and neighbor. Ross was a very kind and honest man and we always
enjoyed conversation with him.
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