Denise Marie Wagner

Denise Marie Wagner (née Schroeder, formerly Geiger)

August 29, 1957 – July 14, 2026

Denise Marie Wagner (née Schroeder, formerly Geiger), 68, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family & friends.

Denise was born on August 29, 1957, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Lawrence and Emma Schroeder. She graduated from Milwaukee Hamilton High School with the Class of 1975.

On December 31, 1986, Denise married the love of her life, Robert Wagner, beginning a marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. She was previously married to Spencer Geiger.

Family was the center of Denise's world. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who found her greatest joy in spending time with those she loved. She is survived by her husband, Robert Wagner; her children, Shawn Geiger, Lisa Geiger, Kyle Wagner (Kimberly Wagner), and Derek Wagner (Stephannie Regenauer); and her cherished grandchildren, Kahlyn Geiger, Aliyah Colella, Brooklyn Geiger, Layden Hornsby, Audrey Colella, Braxx Hornsby, and Hope Wagner.

She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Hawley; her nieces and nephews, Kristin Wagner (Katie Grodzki), Kelly Wagner, and Reese Wagner; goddaughter, Adrienne Cooke; as well as her beloved dogs, Emmy and Poo Poo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter Mickelle Wagner.

Denise loved to travel and visit family and friends around the country. She especially enjoyed going on cruises and Hawaii held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed sewing, swimming in the pool, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers, but above all she loved spending time with the people she loved.

Throughout her life, Denise dedicated herself to serving others and was recognized for her commitment and leadership. She was honored with several distinguished awards, including the Yellow Rose of Texas, the Catharine Greene Award, and the Dr. Mary Walker Award, reflecting the lasting impact she made on those around her.

More than anything, Denise will be remembered for her generous heart, unwavering love for her family and friends, her strength, and her ability to make everyone around her feel welcomed and cared for. Her kindness, laughter, and selfless spirit leave behind a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Denise's life at the following services:

El Paso, Texas Saturday, July 18, 2026 Visitation - 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Service - 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunset Funeral Home – Northeast 4631 Hondo Pass Drive El Paso, TX 79904

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Thursday, July 30, 2026 Visitation - 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Service - 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Joseph E. Sass Funeral Home 1019 W. Oklahoma Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53215

Burial to follow at 2:00 p.m.:

Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery

21731 Spring Street

Union Grove, WI 53182

Celebration of life from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Clifford's Supper Club

10418 W Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners, WI 53130

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Denise's love, compassion, and beautiful spirit will remain with us always. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnel to Towers foundation in her name or use the funeral home links to dedicate a tree in her memory.