John (Jack) Wagner, of Indianapolis, passed away on March 3rd, 2025 after a long battle
with kidney disease.
Jack was born September 21, 1943, in Mishawaka Indiana to Marie (Reagan) and Clifford
Wagner. Jack was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, and on April 18, 1964 married
Judy DeNeve. He resided in Mishawaka, moving to Indianapolis in 1991.
Jack is preceded in death by his wife Judy (DeNeve) Wagner, and his parents. Jack is
survived by his daughters Michelle Kavanaugh and Barb (Scott) Whitlock; and
grandchildren Britton Whitlock, Kierston Whitlock, Kameron Kavanaugh, Gehrig
Whitlock and Rowan Kavanaugh. Jack is also survived by his beloved brother Richard
(Jean) Wagner.
Jack had an unrivaled passion for motor racing, and spent his retirement years as a
security supervisor (yellow shirt) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jack only missed
one Indy 500 race in a 70 year love of racing. His dedication to the sport, and his love of
the people he worked with over the years was a real source of joy for him. When not at
the race track, Jack loved spending time with his grandkids, and he was proud to pass on
his love of art, music and cars to all of them.
Jack is being cremated, and a celebration of life will take place on April 6, 2025 at Howard
Park, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd South Bend, Indiana 46617 from 1pm-4pm.
Arrangements entrusted to Simple Cremation Indianapolis, 6904 S. East Street, Suite E, Indianapolis, IN., (317)361-4516.
One Reply to “John “Jack” Wagner”
My deepest sympathies to John’s family.
I worked with him at Indianapolis motor Speedway for many years. We had a lot of laughs and good talks. His memory will be a blessing. Warmly, Kathy Sax