Maxine Eva Wagner

Maxine Eva (Kemp) Wagner, age 88, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 24, 2026.

Maxine was born on December 8, 1937, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Richard and Louise Kemp. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was defined by dedication, love, perseverance, and a strong commitment to family.

From an early age, Maxine demonstrated a love of learning and involvement in her community. She was selected into the National Honor Society in high school and was active in many school activities. One of her favorites was being a majorette, proudly twirling her baton at athletic events and parades.

Maxine married the love of her life, Henry A. Wagner, on August 24, 1957. Together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with family, adventure, and cherished memories.

Maxine was a woman of determination and a strong work ethic. While raising her children, she worked in office roles and supported and cared for her family with her husband. She later pursued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Maryville University in St. Louis. She went on to build a successful career as a computer programmer and retired from Citicorp. Her perseverance, intelligence, and commitment to learning were an inspiration to those around her.

Family was the center of Maxine's world. She was a devoted mother to their five children: Jeff Wagner, Pam Novak, Hank Wagner, Laurie Wagner, and Steve Wagner. She was a beloved mother-in-law to Chuck Novak, Sandy Wagner, Melissa Wagner, and was cherished by their extended family through marriage.

Maxine's greatest joy came from being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a proud grandmother to Amy (Alberto) Alvarez, Brooklyn Wagner, Katelyn Wagner, C.J. Novak, Christine (Kyle) Brown, Tracy Novak, Jessica (Patrick) James, Major Henry A. (Colleen) Wagner, Derek (Bianca) Wagner, Ryan Wagner, Alison Toepfer, Marjorie (Tom) Braswell, Colin (Heather) Toepfer, Kyle (Kielee) Toepfer, Melanie (Jonathan) Goldsmith, Savanah (Ryan) Gray, and Matthew Wagner. She was also blessed with 27 great-grandchildren.

Maxine loved traveling with Hank and their family. She was the master of the map on road trips, carefully planning routes and helping create countless memories along the way. Her sense of adventure, organization, and love of family made those journeys special. She also enjoyed quiet moments spent solving the New York Times crossword puzzles, working on jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Henry A. Wagner; their children; their grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bubby (Maxine) Kemp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Louise Kemp, and her siblings, Lorna Pederson, Richard Kemp, Dorothy Chaffee, and Gloria Franklin; and her grandson, Jacob Wagner.

Maxine will be remembered for her strength, intelligence, dedication, and the deep love she gave to her family. Her legacy will live on through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral West County, 2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017.

A Funeral Mass and Memorial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63005, followed by burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 16200 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011.