Michael Dawson Wagner

July 22, 1946–October 16, 2026

Michael Dawson “Mike” Wagner, 80, of Waterloo, died Friday, October 16, 2026, while a patient at UnityPoint Allen Hospital.

Mike was born July 22, 1946, in Waterloo, the son of Roy and Madonna (Dawson) Wagner, Jr. He graduated from West High School in 1964 and earned a degree in accounting from Wartburg College. On October 28, 1977, Mike married Barbara Fischels, and together they were blessed with four children.

Mike served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later dedicated his career to public service with the Waterloo Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant. He also worked in security at Allen Hospital and served as an adjunct professor at Hawkeye Community College, where he taught firearms in the Police Science program.

Much of Mike’s life revolved around serving the people of Waterloo. He was trustworthy and dependable, with a stubborn streak that those who knew him would say was also one of his superpowers. Mike took care of his family and friends, helped with neighborhood gatherings, and had his own special form of July 4th fireworks.

He played Beer League Softball, was involved in competition shooting, and coached women’s softball. He enjoyed attending Waterloo Bucks games and had been an Iowa Hawkeyes football season ticket holder for more than 40 years. Mike was strict in the eyes of his children, had a bellowing voice, and loved his Dr. Pepper. He enjoyed golf, trying to follow the NFL, and attending “choir practice” with fellow officers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mark.

Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Waterloo; daughters, Michelle Wagner, Melissa (David) Wilson, and Melanie Wagner; son, Justin Wagner; and many other family and lifelong friends.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park with an additional visitation one hour prior. Burial with military honors will follow at Waterloo Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Waterloo Police Protective Association, Allen Hospital College of Nursing, or the UnityPoint Allen Hospital-Community Cancer Center.

The Wagner Family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the UnityPoint Allen Hospital-Community Cancer Center, Dr. Rahim and his staff, the ER staff at Allen Hospital, the nurses on Allen 3rd and 4th floor, the Waterloo Fire Paramedics, and Sunny’s Transport.

And, since Mike always had to have the last word, “Have fun, be safe.”