WAGNER, MICHAEL S.

73, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on July 13th, 2011. Mike’s life story is full of twists of fate that led from an auspicious beginning in Maryland to a long full life in Arizona. It begins after he was found abandoned in the back of a car on Canton Street in Baltimore, MD. He was soon adopted by Joseph and Mary Wagner. Mary picked his birthday as May 21st. The family moved to Arizona when Mike was six on account of his asthma. Mike attended St. Mary’s but transferred to Scottsdale High. He was active in the band and student government. But most importantly he met the love of life, Elma Jean at Scottsdale. They were together for 53 ½ years. Mike attended Arizona Teacher’s College and helped circulated petitions to help it become a university. Mike and Elma Jean soon started a family and he had to go to work. He left school and supported his family with a career as a sales manager. He
could sell anything and he did. He sold paper goods, police radar, and propane among other things. Although he had a successful career he was determined to finish college. So he returned to ASU and earned a Criminal Justice degree in 1975. Mike and Elma Jean raised six children, Vicki, Kelley, Mary Jane, Mike, Pete and Greg. They are proud of their kids and their 9 grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 18th from 5 to 7pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 10 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7655 E. Main Street in Scottsdale. A reception will immediately follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix.