Wade E. Waggener

Wade E Waggener of Madison climbed his stairway to heaven on Thursday June 1, 2023 at age 64. Wade was born in Kansas City to Wilson and Katharine Waggener. The rough and tumble 10-year-old formed a neighborhood football league, watched a lot of football with his father and was a Right Guard on his HS football team. He was a devoted Packer fan and later added the Badgers to his sports channel.

Wade was always politically involved and ready for an adventure. Boating, camping, backpacking and golf were favorites. He became a Deacon for Westminister Church and was active with the church membership.

He went to UW Madison where he became a Delta Upsilon fraternity member and even served as its WI Chapter president. There he developed a taste for good wine, good scotch, an occasional cigar and great parties. He loved the DU and his fraternity brothers and worked with the DU National Organization to advise chapters in other states.

After graduation he worked in sales and as a Sales Manager. He married Annemarie Ready in 1983 and raised their son Westin in Michigan (To this day Westin is a Lions fan). On Sunday mornings they enjoyed Frank Sinatra and the NY Times.

He met Andrea (Andy) Wardlaw at church and they married in 2001. Their extended family included 2 rescue dogs, a Cocker Spaniel and an American Eskimo aptly named Suzie Stirfry, and a black cat that walked like the grinch.

MS was an intruder in this life and challenged him for 34 years. Wade will be remembered as always being cheerful, polite, and uncomplaining. He loved puns, music (Big Band to ZZ Top), Baywatch and an occasional Dewars after dinner.

He was very proud of his son Westin and wife Sara and his two beautiful grandchildren, Belle and Aria. Wade is survived by his mother Katharine, son Westin (Sara), two grandchildren (Belle and Aria), two sisters Chris (Ron) and Carol, and many aunts and cousins.

We wish to thank Vicky and the caregivers of Fountainhead Homes, Keyes House and Heartland Hospice for his care and comfort during his years there.

A memorial celebration his life will be held on Sat June 10, 2023 at 11:00 am, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Rd, Madison, WI. A time of gathering will be held at the church on Sat from 10 am until the time of the service.

Memories and stories may be shared online at Cress Funeral Service website and  Memorials can be made in Wades name to the MS Society - WI Chapter.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666