Bruce Alan Wagner

Bruce Alan Wagner, 74, formally of Brodhead, WI, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2022 while at his home surrounded by his family. Bruce was born on October 18, to Arthur and Elsie (Beckman) Wagner. Bruce graduated high school in Monroe, WI, in 1965 and from La Crosse University in La Crosse, WI in 1970. He received a bachelor’s in Physical Education and mathematics. It was in La Crosse where Bruce met the love of his life, Mary “Jo” Luedtke Bruce and Jo were married on June 26, 1971 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. They lived in La Farge where Bruce taught until 1975. In 1975 Bruce and Jo moved to Brodhead where Bruce taught in Orfordville and then started his first business, Wagner Builders and later Home Specialists. Bruce was a skilled carpenter and built the home that Bruce and Jo lived in until 2019. He enjoyed working in his workshop and on his lathe, being outside on the lake and in the woods, watching the Brewers, traveling adventures and spending winters with Jo in Florida. He loved spending time with family, especially with his 4 grandchildren. Bruce made friends easily and the many friendships he had were a treasured blessing. Bruce was a strong Christian who loved life and was always full of optimism. He was a patient, generous, kind, loving soul who believed in living his DASH to the fullest. Bruce is survived by Jo, his wife of more than 51 years; daughters: Jenna (Tom) Tasto; and Dana (Griffin) Prochnow. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Landyn, Harrison, Merrick and Maizy; brother, Curt (Gretchen); sister, Karen (Dave); sister-n-law, Linda; and several nieces and nephews. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elsie; father-n-law and mother-n-law, Merlin and June; brother-n-law Ronald Saeger; and nephew, Ben Wagner. A private service for the family was held on Thursday, August 3, 2022. A celebration of life service for Bruce will be held on Thursday, August 18 at 11am, visitation starting at 10am, with a luncheon following, at the United Congregational Church in Brodhead, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, any donations received will be sent to Mayo Clinic Hospice in La Crosse, WI and Second Harvest Food Bank of Madison. THE DASH by Linda Ellis I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning...to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own: the cars...the house...the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard; Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering this special dash might only last a little while. So when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash… would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent YOUR dash?