Obituary
Margot Wagner passed away peacefully at the age of 102 on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at her home at the Waters on Mayowood in Rochester, MN. She was a beloved wife, mother, Omi, and friend.
Margot was born on January 4,1922, in Frankfurt, Germany to Maria and Adolf Wahl. Upon completing her schooling, Margot worked first as a milleness at several fashion boutiques and then as an international switchboard operator at the telephone company for fourteen years.
During World War II, like many, Margot lost loved ones and also developed very strong friendships that endured distance and lasted a lifetime. After the war, on a blind date in Frankfurt, she met someone who would turn out to be the most important person in her life, Dr. Hans H. Wagner. After falling in love, the couple married in 1953 and subsequently immigrated to Chicago, where Hans had relatives who had immigrated previously. During her first years in the new city, Margot worked at an advertising agency in the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago, while Dr. Wagner established an active medical practice. Once settled, they started their family, and Margot then dedicated all her time to her two children, extended family, greater community, and church. For years, Margot volunteered regularly at Salem United Church of Christ, the Christ Hospital Auxiliary, the Oak Lawn Park District, and Meals-On-Wheels.
In 2001, Margot moved to Rochester, MN and continued her service to church and community. She volunteered at the Rochester Methodist Hospital, the Congregational Church UCC, and at Harriet Bishop School as a Reading Buddy. She was very active at Shorewood Senior Campus and delighted in working the community garden and singing in the Shorewood Senior Choir. Throughout her life, Margot was known for her generosity and hospitality, always providing meals and a warm welcome to relatives and friends who visited.
Margot was preceded in death by her parents, Maria and Adolf Wahl, and by her beloved husband, Dr. Hans H. Wagner in 1982. She is survived by her son, Dr. Robert Wagner (Cynthia); her daughter, Diane (Dr. Todd) Nippoldt; six grandchildren, Christopher Nippoldt (Amanda), Dr. Eric Nippoldt (Dr. Deanna Thorson), Dr. Lauren Nippoldt (Dr. Daniel Driscoll), Michael Wagner (Brittany), Kathryn Goll (Ryan), and Dr. Mary Elizabeth Wagner; as well as her great-grandchildren, Josephine, Adam, Grace, Charlotte, and Daniel. Margot will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kind and giving nature touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and service. May her memory be a blessing to all.
Margot’s family is very grateful for the expert and compassionate care she received from the Mayo Palliative Care team, especially Nurse Practitioner Angela Luckhardt and Dr. Bjoerg Thorsteinsdottir, and all of the staff at The Waters on Mayowood. Their kindness, love, patience, and care for Margot will always be remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 on November 30, 2024 at 10:00 am and live streamed via the Salem UCC, Oak Lawn, IL Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064379361617 with a 9:30 am visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Salem United Church of Christ, 9717 S. Kostner Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453, The Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 974 Skyline Drive SW, Rochester, MN or a charity of donor’s choice would be appreciated.
Memory wall
A mother’s life continues. It lives on in the hearts of those she nurtured and inspired, with the way she lived her life, and the way her beautiful soul brightened the lives of those around her.
Know that all of you are in my heart and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. A truly amazing person she was and you have been so blessed. Thank you for sharing her story Which continues to touch even more of our hearts.
We both are so saddened for your loss. What a heartfelt tribute to your mom. She most certainly had a life well lived and the heart of a servant to all humanity.
GODSPEED
Loring and Pam Stead