Brian "Wags" Edward Wagner

Brian Edward ”Wags” Wagner, age 66, of Alexandria, died on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Alomere Health in Alexandria.

A private family funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Lind Family Funeral Home with Rev. Peter Reishus officiating. The service will be live streamed on Brian’s obituary page on the funeral home website and on 105.3 FM Radio to cars parked in the parking lot.

A public visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Tuesday at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. In honor of Brian, please wear a mask to protect the community.
Brian was born on September 10, 1955, to Otto and Dona (Bruzik) Wagner in Osakis. He attended St. Agnes Parochial School and graduated in 1974 from Osakis High School. Following high school, Brian attended and graduated from St. Cloud State where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Ann Peterson on June 3, 1978, at Osakis Lutheran Church. Following their marriage, Brian worked as an office manager for nursing homes in Starbuck and Osakis. For the past 15 years, Brian has worked as a greeter at Walmart and was a huge advocate for citizens with disabilities. He was appointed by three Minnesota Governors to serve on the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities. Brian formed the Alexandria Disability Council in the early 2000’s. He with his wife, Helen Ann formed a non-profit called And He Disabilities Services, providing services to 13 counties which offered advocacy and counsel for individuals with disabilities. He was a member of New Testament Church where he was a deacon and UFFDA, United Federation for Disabled Archers. He was a passionate Minnesota Twins fan, attending many games with his grandchildren. One of the highlights of his adult life was attending the 1987, World Series Game where he watched the Twins beat the St. Louis Cardinals, winning the series. Faith and family were the most important part of Brian’s life.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Brian is survived by his wife of 43 years, Helen Ann; son, Jay Wagner of Glenwood; daughter, Liesl (Brett) Einerson of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother, Mike (Cindy) Wagner of Mankato; four sisters, Sandra Fischer of Elbow Lake, Kathi (Donnie) Doyle of Savage, Pat Arndt of Cable, Wisconsin, and Therese (Doug) Johnson of Bemidji; eight grandchildren, Minti, Jasper, Kaiden, Liam, Jasaiah, Brody, Teni, and Amina; aunt, Sophia Ward of St. Joseph, Missouri; uncle, Marvin Bruzik of Alexandria; along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.