Joseph Wagner

His bright, beautiful smile; his loyal, steadfast friendship; his idealistic devotion to making our world a better place - these are just a few of the things Joe Wagner will be remembered for. Joe's life was a dedication to fighting for what was just and right, advocating for those less fortunate, and educating the young. Joe did not just "talk the talk." He "walked the walk."

Joseph Wagner was born in Atlanta, Georgia , on January 16, 1984, to proud parents John and Ann Wagner. From the very beginning Joe's mother said Joe was "a beautiful and perfect baby." He was the youngest in a family of three children, having one older sister, Nicole, and one older brother, Tom.

As a youngster, Joe loved to sit and read with his mother. By nature Joe was typically not a risk taker; however, at the age of 3 he picked up a bike and started riding it without any help! Joe always had an independent nature. Even as a child Joe never followed anyone else. His family remarked that Joe was mature for his age, and from an early age he paid attention to detail and strove for perfection.

Intelligent and bright, Joe loved deep and involved discussions, particularly discussions in which he learned about another individual's history and background. He attended Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor , where he played on the football team and ran track. Joe always enjoyed teaching younger children and in high school he became a mentor, working with students throughout the Ann Arbor school system.

Joe spent his summer vacations working with his good friend Adam in a landscaping business. Known for his loyal nature, Joe acquired a close circle of friends and strong family bonds. He was very close to all of his family and loved spending time with them. Joe's father fondly remembered a recent walk he and Joe took on a nearby nature trail. The two simply enjoyed discussing the wonders of nature and spending time together. Joe's family called him "a son of Ann Arbor," and they attribute Joe's caring, nurturing personality in part to his having grown up in the Ann Arbor community.

Following his graduation from Pioneer High School in 2002, Joe began attending Eastern Michigan University . He became an integral member of the civil rights activism group BAMN (By Any Means Necessary). A pro-affirmative action group, BAMN is currently fighting a ballot initiative that would ban affirmative action in Michigan . In an effort to affect change in destitute areas, Joe had recently moved to Detroit , where he was living downtown in a neighborhood of boarded up buildings. Although Joe's family had concerns about his safety, they admired his caring spirit and his devotion to the principles of peace and equality.

While Joe's involvement in BAMN and his classes at Eastern occupied most of his time, Joe always found time for friends and family. Michigan winters meant hitting the slopes on his snowboard. Joe's favorite memories were of trips to Montreal, Canada , snowboarding with his father. Another place Joe loved to spend time was the Porcupine Mountain range in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula . Joe enjoyed the simpler things in life, like kicking back and listening to his favorite Bob Marley CD, or sharing a dinner with friends at a local Middle Eastern or Thai restaurant.

A shock to many, Joe passed away at the young age of 21. Although the events surrounding Joe's death are truly tragic, his family and friends may take comfort in the fact that Joe spent the last years of his life advocating the beliefs he held so very dearly. Although his time on earth was cut short, Joe had a profound effect on many lives. His ideals influenced many and his hopes and dreams will continue to live through others.

Joseph Wagner, 21, of Ann Arbor, MI, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 26, 2005, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit . Joe is survived by his parents, John and Ann Wagner; and two siblings; a brother, Tom, and a sister, Nicole. Joe also leaves behind many close friends. All are welcome to visit the Wagner family at their home.

Visitation will be held at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road , on Thursday, June 30, 2005, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00- 8:00 pm. A scripture service will follow at 7:00 pm. Visitation hours will continue on Friday, July 1, 2005, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, from 10:00 - 11:00 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11:00 am with Rev. Fr. Jim McDougall officiating.

To learn more about Joe, read his life story, leave a memory, sign the guest book, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to BAMN ( P.O. Box 24834, Detroit, MI 48224 ), please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.