Rutheda Wagner

Rutheda Wagner, age 100, of North Mankato, died April 6, 2026.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Mankato. A time to visit with the family will follow the service. Northview – North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Rutheda was born, September 14, 1925, in South Bend, Indiana to Heinrich F. W. and Henrietta C. B. (Boettcher) Meyer into a large and loving family. She was proud of her father’s carpentry skills and she spoke of her close-knit family and community. She studied voice after graduation from high school and worked as a telephone company operator and in a dental lab.

Rutheda married Charles Russell Wagner on August 17, 1947, in South Bend. That began a life for her of supporting him through multiple educational degrees, a career in the Air Force, numerous cross country moves, and a post-military college teaching career. All the while, Rutheda was busy raising 5 children, managing a home, directing choirs, supporting her church, and school P.T.A.

She had to learn to adapt and provided an excellent example of making the best of what you have and where you are. Ruth was a generally openminded, fun loving, friendly, and sociable person whom most people liked despite her frankness and sometimes tough love. She was always well regarded in the various communities in which she lived and made valuable contributions to each.

Rutheda is survived by her children, Charles Wagner II of Northfield, Barbara Wagner of Northfield, Mary Wagner (Metone Wamma) of Mankato, William Wagner (Steve Koester) of Tucson, AZ, and David Wagner (Debra) of Edina; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Rutheda was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Robert, Donald, Richard, William Jr., and Mary.