Richard Wagler

Richard Michael Wagler dedicated his life to serving others during their most difficult times as funeral director of Wagler Funeral Home. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Richard passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 74. He was born on November 15, 1950 to Scott and Ruth Stinson Wagler in Bloomfield, Iowa. He was raised around his families’ funeral home, ambulance service, and furniture store – leaving a lasting impression on his sense of dedication to his family, community, and funeral service. He graduated from Davis County High School in 1969. On March 9, 1974, he married childhood sweetheart, Lisa Dunsmoor, on the Simpson College Campus in Indianola, Iowa. The couple enjoyed 51 wonderful years together and raised three children; Adam, Michael, and Ellie. After attending Iowa Wesleyan College and teaching science for almost five years in St. Louis, Richard returned to Bloomfield to assist in the family business in September of 1979. He earned a degree at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in Texas. Richard owned and operated the Wagler Funeral Home for 35 years before retiring in 2014. He was a nationwide leader in his field, serving as President of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association and regional lead of the Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team where he managed teams of morticians in emergency situations. In 1989, he helped with the aftermath of United Airlines Flight 232 which crashed in Sioux City, Iowa. In the early 2000s, he served on a design team to create the Department of Homeland Security. Richard was active in many organizations in Davis County including the Optimist Club, Lion’s Club, D.C. Historical Society, and the Masonic Lodge. He was also a long-time member of the Bloomfield United Methodist Church and the Bloomfield Country Club. He spent many years running chains for the Davis County Mustangs’ football games. His contribution to the community was acknowledged when he was entered into the Community Hall of Fame. After retiring, Richard could be found on the golf course with his friends and was a dedicated fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was typically seen wearing University of Iowa t-shirts as he “hung up his funeral suit.” He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Wagler; three children, Adam Wagler of Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael (Claire Richmond) Wagler, Ellie (Winston) Stewart-Wagler both of Des Moines; four grandchildren, Carter Wagler-Stewart, Aria Stewart, Finnean Wagler, Hutchinson Wagler; sister, Marsha Jarrett of Des Moines; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gene Wagler and Scott Wagler Jr. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Rev. ellis Andrews officiating. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitation will begin at noon on Sunday with the family present to greet friends from 1-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Davis County Dollars for Scholars. Richard’s charisma, goofy jokes, and unwavering dedication to his family, profession, and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Richard Wagler

November 15, 1950 - August 3, 2025