J. Richard Wagner

J. Richard Wagner, 91 of Kutztown, died September 6, 2018 in his home. He was the husband of Jean M. (Beck) Wagner and the son of the late John A Wagner and Eva M. Keller. J. Richard had a profound impact on many over the years, and lived a rich and full life. He was born January 10, 1927 in Nescopeck, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College with a degree in Mathematics, and served his country in the Army Air Force for two years. He moved to Kutztown in 1957 to teach, then worked for many years at Kutztown Publishing Company. J. Richard also served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kutztown for more than 50 years as organist and choir director. He met his wife, Jean, at Trinity Lutheran Church, and they were married in 1957. In the 1970s, he founded the Kutztown Community Choir, and served as its director for nearly fifty years. He will be missed, but we rejoice that he is now free from his broken, earthly body and is making great music with Jesus. In addition to his wife he is survived by sons Paul S, husband of Kathleen (Rossi), Whitehouse Station, NJ; Mark J; husband of Karen (Gebhardt), Danvers, MA; Matthew J. husband of Deborah (Page) Plymouth, MI; Nine grand children and one great grand child. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. Service of Remembrance will be September 16, 2018 3p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church 357, West Main St. Kutztown. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Pipe Organ Preservation Fund. Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home, Kutztown, in charge of arrangements.