Steven James Wagner, 61, of Battle Creek, Michigan, formerly of Harlem, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 3, 1957, in Dubuque Iowa, the son of James Letts and JoAnn (Peiffer) Wagner.
While attending New Prague High School in New Prague, Minnesota, Steve joined the United States Army. There he finished up his high school education earning his GED. Steve served faithfully from 1974-1980, in the 7th Special Forces Green Beret, released from duties with honors. Continuing his education in EMT and earning a degree in Industrial Maintenance from Southeastern Technical Institute, becoming an instructor at the school. After moving to Michigan, Steve worked as a Freelance Industrial Machine and Maintenance Engineer until his retirement.
Steve is survived by his three children, Stephanie (Al) Reeves, Patrick (Cassie Whitaker) Wagner, and Emily (Adam) Oliveri. A sister, Debby Maxa; Grandchildren, Cayden and Asa Reeves, Patrick Jr. and Paisley Wagner.
Steve remarried in 1994 to his Wife-Cathiern Barnes Chirbas, extending his family with four more children, Nicholas, Samuel, Angelica, and Zachary Chirbas, and taking on ten more grandchildren. To the grandkids, Steve was known as "Papa". "Our Papa can fix and build anything," they would tell their friends. Steve kept busy in his workshop after retirement, sharing his talents with family, friends, and neighbors. He also loved vegetable gardening and canning his harvest. Steve's greatest joy was his grandkids, board games, cards, and making sure Holidays and Birthdays were celebrated with excitement.
He was preceded in death by his Father, James Letts, and Mother, JoAnn Peiffer.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at 2:30 p.m..
Memorials may be made to Veterans Helping Veterans SWMI.

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