Jillian Wagner Obituary

Jill Wagner, 86, of New Ulm, Minnesota
Jill Wagner, a lifelong resident of New Ulm and beloved former special education teacher, passed away Monday, July 7, 2025 at the age of 86. Jill devoted her life to her community, her students, and her friends and family, leaving behind a legacy of intelligence, warmth and wit.
Jill was born April 9th 1939 to Ruth (Wicherski) and Virgil "Swede" Wagner. She attended New Ulm schools and graduated from New Ulm High School in 1957. She attended the University of Denver and graduated with a degree in education from Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University), She taught in Cleveland, Minnesota and then New Ulm where she taught special education students at St Mary's School and later for the New Ulm Public School District. She was known for her creativity and dedication to her students.
Jill had a remarkable intelligence and keen sense of humor that filled many rooms with laughter. Music was one of her great passions, and she was always quick to share a song. She was an indispensable dinner guest, and livened every gathering with her humor. She cared deeply for her dogs and cats. Her dog, Rinke, was her copilot on drives around town. Her love of sweets was legendary among those who knew her well.
We will miss her vibrant spirit tremendously, her infectious laughter, captivating stories and endless jokes that could brighten any room. Jill's enthusiastic embrace of life will continue to resonate through all who were lucky enough to know and love her.
Jill found deep and lasting connections with her family and friends. She was especially close to her cousins Karen Wagner Whitman, Mary Schneider McClellan and Lynn Schneider Marquardt, and was a cherished aunt to her "niece and nephews": Eric Whitman, Amy Britton, Dave McClellan, Jay Marquardt and Jon Marquardt.
She is survived by Lynn and Steve Marquardt, Eric Whitman, Dave McClellan (Deb), Jay Marquardt, Amy Britton (Terry), numerous great nieces and nephews and her friend, Paul Warshauer. She is preceded in death by her Grandma Rose Wicherski, her parents, Wally Wicherski, Karen & Jim Whitman, Mary and Ray McClellan and Jon Marquardt.
A graveside memorial for family, friends and neighbors will be held on Friday, July 25th at 11:00 AM at the New Ulm Cemetery, with a gathering to follow at the home of Sharon & Dick Seeboth.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given to the charity of the donor's choice.
To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org
To send a flower arrangement in memory of
Jillian "Jill" Christine Wagner, please click here to visit our sympathy store.