Charles Kaye Wagner

Charles Kay Anderson Wagner, 90

Charles Kay Anderson Wagner, 90, passed away peacefully on March 5, in the care of the Kirk’s Place at Wesley Willows, Rockford, IL. Born January 27, 1925 in St. Albans, New York, Charlie attended The Hill School for his preparatory education. Charlie then attended University of Colorado in Boulder and graduated from Colgate University in 1949 with a Bachelors’ of Science in Mathematics. Charlie served in the Marines but was spared active duty by the ending of WWII. He married his beloved wife of 65 years, Marguerite, on July 29, 1950. Their life was foremost devoted to each other and to their family. Charlie had a long successful career in sales management in the fastener industry. He retired as Executive Vice President of Rockford Products in 1985.

Upon his retirement, Charlie and Margie boarded their trawler, the Sea Cay, in Sturgeon Bay, WI, and navigated their boat down the Mississippi and across the Gulf of Mexico to their new home for 25 years in Sarasota, FL. Using Sarasota as their base, they spent many years exploring the waters in and around Florida as well as the Caribbean, the Eastern Seaboard and the Upper Great Lakes. Their years spent boating with friends and family were some of the most memorable times in Charlie’s life. One of the greatest highlights of Charlie’s boating life was to be included in the processional brigade for the Tall Ships arriving at the centenary celebration for the Statue of Liberty on July 4th 1986.

Charlie lived his life looking for the good in others. He was gregarious, kind and caring individual who never met a stranger where he didn’t find something interesting to learn about their lives. He was gentle man who could also be a fierce competitor when it came to sports. His tennis groups in Rockford and Sarasota were some of his closest friends as he was talented athlete who valued the close relationships that emerged from years of playing together. Charlie loved sports and was a dedicated father who tried never to miss his children’s athletic events. He taught his children that passion was in the perseverance whether it was in work or play.

Charles dedication to public service was always directed toward those in need. While raised a Christian Scientist, Spring Creek Congregational Church was a short walk from his home. There he dedicated himself to educating youth as well as guiding ministry leadership for long-term growth and strength of the church. While in Rockford, Charlie also served on the Board of Directors of the Rockford Salvation Army as he felt his involvement would provide the greatest impact for those in need. Once he moved to Sarasota he became a director who was essential in guiding the development of the new Guardian ad Litem program. For over 20 years he transferred his ambition and drive as a successful businessman toward helping youth in need of advocacy before the courts. Charlie thoroughly enjoyed his work, doing his best for children at risk.

Charles is survived by his wife, Marguerite, children, Mark (Carol), Nancy, Kenneth (Doris) and Jeffrey (Suzanne) as well niece Lauren (Payton) Daniel and grand children Alyson, Andrew, Michael, Rebecca, Cayden, Amelia, and great grandchild Porter. Charles is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Lavivian and beloved sister, Jeanne (Franz) Bing.

A brief visitation will precede a memorial service on March 21, 2 p.m. at the Johns chapel at Wesley Willows, 4141 N Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Good Samaritan’s Fund at Wesley Willows. Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL. – Send online condolence at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.