ELIDA – Ray E. Wagner, 71, of Elida, formerly of Continental, passed away at 5:22 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born June 25, 1953, in Defiance to the late Edwin K. and Margaret (Dunlap) Wagner. On September 14, 1974, he married the love of his life, Ruth A. Reindel at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kalida. She survives in Elida.
He is also survived by two children: Corey (Erin) Wagner of Gatlinburg, TN and Justin (Sarah) Wagner of Continental; four grandchildren: Zachary, Nolan, Josie and Lukas Wagner; a sister, Ruth Lane of Kalida; five sisters-in-law: Erma (John) Schnipke, Janet Winkle, Donna Ellerbrock, Mary Heitmeyer and Angie (Gary) Horstman; and a brother-in-law, Carl (JoAnn) Reindel.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers-in-law: Denny Ellerbrock, Stan Winkle and Fred Heitmeyer.
Ray retired from General Motors, Defiance. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, bowling, and most of all, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved them dearly. Ray was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center on the 7K and 8K floors who cared for Ray, especially Dr. Ojo. They all gave him excellent care.
Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township with Fr. Mark Hoying officiating. Burial will follow at Monroe Cemetery, Continental. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com 
