Karen Lee Wagner

Karen Lee Wagner, 79, of Fremont, OH passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the Commons of Providence in Sandusky, OH. Karen was born on May 31, 1945 to Robert and Jacqueline (Benner) Gray in Toledo, OH. She was a 1963 graduate of Salem Oak Harbor High School. Karen married Paul Wagner on November 9, 1963 at St. Boniface Church in Oak Harbor, OH and he preceded her in death on October 4, 2021. Karen and Paul were both lifelong members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Fremont.

Karen retired from the Fremont City Council Second Ward after twenty-five years of service. She served on the Fremont Federal Credit Union Board for twenty-seven years. Karen was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the Selective Service Committee Board. She served as a delegate for the democratic party at the California Convention in 2020. In her early years she worked at GW/Pioneer Sugar Company, Revco and executive secretary for the United Steel Workers. She worked for the Sandusky County Treasurers Office and retiring from the Sandusky County Board of Elections in 2006 after twenty-five years of service. She volunteered for many organizations starting in her late 20s well into her 70s including Meals on Wheels, Campfire Leader, Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, Kidney Foundation, St. Joseph Boosters, Treasurers of the Farmers Union Board, and many more. Karen and Paul both participated in all of the local fundraisers, giving back to their community and church was important to them, including the Humane Society of Erie County, where they adopted their dog, Booker, who filled their life with so much joy. She was involved with the Sandusky County Democratic Party for years, she believed “democracy is not a spectator sport, get out, get involved, register to vote and vote blue”.

Karen is survived by her children, Paula (Ron) Bliss, Twinsburg, OH, Karlynn (Dr. Martin) Beerman, Sandusky, OH, Michele Geyer, Fremont, and Paul (Teresa) Wagner Jr., Clarksville, IN, and grandchildren, Trevor (Kendra) Durnwald, Brooke (Ryan) Burch, Eric Bliss, Sarah Bliss. Kayla Geyer, Kristi Geyer, Ethan Wagner; and great-granddaughter, Tessa.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Paul Wagner; son-in-law, Dr. Martin Beerman; brother, Michael Blasetzky; sibling-in-laws, William Wagner Jr., Harold “Rick” Wagner, Pat Baker and Frank Bender.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St. Fremont, OH 43420.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday August 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1021 W. State St. Fremont, OH 43420.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fremont, OH.

Memorials can be made in Karen’s honor too St. Ann’s Catholic Church or Humane Society of Erie County.