Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Visitation Gathering
October 22, 2026
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
October 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Memorial Donations
- Allen College School of Nursing
- UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital--Community Cancer Center
- Waterloo Police Protective Association
Michael Dawson “Mike” Wagner, 80, of Waterloo, died Friday, October 16, 2026, while a patient at UnityPoint Allen Hospital.
Mike was born July 22, 1946, in Waterloo, the son of Roy and Madonna (Dawson) Wagner, Jr. He graduated from West High School in 1964 and earned a degree in accounting from Wartburg College. On October 28, 1977, Mike married Barbara Fischels, and together they were blessed with four children.
Mike served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later dedicated his career to public service with the Waterloo Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant. He also worked in security at Allen Hospital and served as an adjunct professor at Hawkeye Community College, where he taught firearms in the Police Science program.
Much of Mike’s life revolved around serving the people of Waterloo. He was trustworthy and dependable, with a stubborn streak that those who knew him would say was also one of his superpowers. Mike took care of his family and friends, helped with neighborhood gatherings, and had his own special form of July 4th fireworks.
He played Beer League Softball, was involved in competition shooting, and coached women’s softball. He enjoyed attending Waterloo Bucks games and had been an Iowa Hawkeyes football season ticket holder for more than 40 years. Mike was strict in the eyes of his children, had a bellowing voice, and loved his Dr. Pepper. He enjoyed golf, trying to follow the NFL, and attending “choir practice” with fellow officers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mark.
Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Waterloo; daughters, Michelle Wagner, Melissa (David) Wilson, and Melanie Wagner; son, Justin Wagner; and many other family and lifelong friends.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park with an additional visitation one hour prior. Burial with military honors will follow at Waterloo Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Waterloo Police Protective Association, Allen Hospital College of Nursing, or the UnityPoint Allen Hospital-Community Cancer Center.
The Wagner Family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the UnityPoint Allen Hospital-Community Cancer Center, Dr. Rahim and his staff, the ER staff at Allen Hospital, the nurses on Allen 3rd and 4th floor, the Waterloo Fire Paramedics, and Sunny’s Transport.
And, since Mike always had to have the last word, “Have fun, be safe.”
Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.
Barb and family. We’re very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. Mike was a very special man who loved his family. Sending hugs to all of you at this very sad time.
Barb and family, my heart is crushed learning of Mike’s passing. He was always such a polite and intelligent officer and friend. We worked many cases together and enjoyed suppers at the Hickory House while working 2nd shift. RIP Lt. Mike , I will never forget you.
Bobbie and family. So sorry for your loss of Mike. He’s been through so much the past 2 years. Am glad he’s at peace now. He was so funny and loved to joke around. Prayers coming for all of you during this difficult time. Love all of you
Mike and Sue
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, we’d chat some on the internet and when I would come to Waterloo I’d try to meet and have coffee with him. He was a good friend and will be missed by a lot of people.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. So many fun memories that were made with all of you. May he rest in peace. Sending special hugs to you all.
To Mike’s family. Rick and I are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was a genuine person and had the best interest of others. He will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear this. Mike was always helping those in need and even though he acted tuff he had the heart of a teddy bear and would help anyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and your children and family
Barb and family so very sorry to hear of Mike passing . He was always kind and caring!!!
Sending hugs and my sincere condolences.
Barb & family
My thoughts are with all of you at this time of mourning.
He was a great person and friend to many.
I knew Mike growing up as his birthday was a day later than mine. Mike lived next-door to the (Hartleip’s)and I was really a good friend with Susie. Mike and I graduated from West high the same year and we’ve kept contact over the years through Facebook. Rest in peace Mike. I did let Susie know of your passing.
So sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy and I think of him as an honorable gentle giant. I remember him well when he roamed the halls of Allen protecting all of us.
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I had many pleasant conversations with him when when I worked at the police garage. I also had the pleasure of having a beer or few after recreational volleyball at the Silver Fox. Mike was a really nice man.
We are so sorry for your loss prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Thinking of you. Marlene Hagerstrom
Barb and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Mike. I will not be in town for the funeral. Please know that I will be praying for you.
Barb,
I’m so sorry to learn of your husband’s death. My deepest sympathy to you and the kids. I think of you and remember you fondly.
Jody Cordes
Barb,
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Mike for almost 3 decades. We were both Army vets, shared many interests and shared many enjoyable conversations over the years.
Mike loved being a police officer and served the citizens of Waterloo with dedication and professionalism. May he rest in peace.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
My condolences to the family. He was a very good man and a better person to work for. Worked under him on second and third shift. So much respect for him. God bless his family and Mike. Played softball with Mike and his son and always enjoyed being around them. I thank him for his service to this Great Nation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mike was a special friend to Allen Hospital and Allen College. He loved his family and gave a lot to the Waterloo community. Thank you, Mike for your service and your “watchdog” approach to Allen College and the School of Nursing. Yes, he wanted them safe and to have fun.
I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our sincere sympathies and prayers to Barb and familly for healing in their time of loss. I worked with Mike for many years and his integrity was second to none. It was my pleasure to have served with him on the police department and appreciate that he kept in touch through the years which I will certainly miss. May you rest in peace my friend….Salute!
Barb and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a good man who cared deeply for his family and his neighbors. So glad we were a part of that neighborhood and our family got to enjoy those special fireworks for many years. He will never be forgotten.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing Mike was a special person who deeply cared for his family, friends and community. He was always willing to help wherever he could. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Barb and Family,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband and father. Please know that I will be praying for all of you in this time of sadness and mourning. Barb, I always enjoyed working with you and sharing our family stories. Sincerely Joan Lies
My sincere condolences to Barb and the entire Wagner family.
I first met Mike working third shit patrol in 1975. We rode two man cars back then and fortunately for me, Mike was my partner much of the time… I also considered Mike to be my mentor for many reasons, his professional conduct to be just one example.
It was my pleasure to know Mike and work with him in both Patrol Division and the Detective Division. I was also fortunate to have Mike serve as my assistant firearms instructor at Hawkeye Community College. Mike was 100% dependable and reliable, always arriving to class before me and having repaired equipment on the indoor range so classes could proceed on time. Mike was also able to connect with the students. I do believe every choir member enjoyed the “choir practice”.
Michael is gone now, but will never be forgotten!!
I also miss Michael.
.
We were so sad to hear today of Mike”s passing. He was such a great guy and will be truly missed. Our condolences to his family.
Hi Barb and family. I have many fond memories of Mike coaching the Schoirz Vitals ladies softball team. Always patient, gracious, and fun to be around. He called me Pint and will always have a special place in my heart. Lori Olson.