Richard “Dick” Lyman Wagner, 76, of Burlington died at 7:25 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Blair House Nursing and Rehab in Burlington.
Born May 11, 1934 in Burlington, he was the son of Lyman Arthur and Marie R. Friedmann Wagner.
Mr. Wagner was a 1952 graduate of Burlington High School, Burlington Junior College in 1954, Parsons College in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in business and Mankato State College in 1960 with a master’s degree in business.
Mr. Wagner was one of the charter organizers of Burlington Little League and named as one of the leagues original four managers while a senior in high school. He was also one of the charter organizers of the Burlington Babe Ruth League.
After coaching at Cantril, Deep River and Wayland, he came back to Burlington and was and Accounting teacher and then the Athletic Director for Burlington for 31 ½ years, retiring in 1992. His accomplishments included seven state tournament appearances for Burlington High School where the team was state champion in both 1973 and 1975. Under his coaching Burlington had a 15-year high school record of 421-100.
His awards included the Lyle T. Quinn Award in 1990, the highest honor given by the state athletic association, Nations High School Baseball “Coach of the Year” in 1975, Iowa’s “Coach of the Year” in 1971 and 1975, and the Cap Timm President’s Award, the highest honor given by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association in 1993.
Mr. Wagner was known for his generosity as he hosted many parties for others and shared his retirement home near the Des Moines River not only for athletic events, but also for BHS science field trips.
Survivors include cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call from noon until 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 23rd, in Lunning Chapel.
The funeral service for Mr. Wagner will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 24th, in Carl C. Johannsen Gymnasium. Pastor Mike Shea and Dr. Marc Royer will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for the Burlington Educational Foundation and Notre Dame Foundation.