Terry R. Wagner

TERRY R. WAGNER, age 83,

of New Bremen, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen after a long battle with her health. She was born on November 8, 1942, in Celina, Ohio, to the late Carman A. and Norma L. (Davenport) Hirschfeld. On February 1, 1964, Terry married the love of her life, Ted R. Wagner, at the former Zion Church in New Bremen. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and serving others. Ted survives in New Bremen. She is also survived by her daughters, Shannon (David) Pence of New Bremen, Bethany (Timothy) Schrader of New Bremen, and Brianna (Andy) Phlipot of Minster; her six grandchildren; Caitlin, Brittany, Simon, Spencer, Ava and Kathryn, three step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and eight step great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Jeanine Kitzmiller of New Bremen, and her sister-in-law, Margi Hirschfeld of Coshocton, along with many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Along with her parents, Terry was preceded in death by her brother, Lanny Hirschfeld; her father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Annabelle Wagner; and her brother-in-law, James Kitzmiller.

Terry graduated from New Bremen High School where she loved to sing in the choir and play trumpet in the band. She was a member of the former Zion Church in New Bremen where she enjoyed singing with Zion's Song. She later became an active member of Faith Alliance Church, where she faithfully served.

One of Terry's greatest passions began in January of 1961, when she and Ted took their first ballroom dancing lessons. By 1963, they were teaching their first group class, marking the beginning of what would become Wagner Dance Studio and a lifelong ministry of sharing the joy of dance with others. Together they spent countless hours teaching numerous couples the art of ballroom dancing, creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories along the way. Ted and Terry also loved to travel and take vacations together, and throughout their lives they were always caring for others. Terry had a remarkable gift for sewing and was a talented seamstress, making countless dresses and outfits for her family as well as for many dancers at their studio. She was wonderfully organized and paid attention to every detail, faithfully keeping notes and lists of everything-including the thousands of books she enjoyed reading over the years.

Anyone who knew Terry knew she had a gift for making people feel welcome. She loved baking and opening her home to family, friends, missionaries, and dance students. She loved planning and hosting elaborate parties and gatherings that brought people together. Terry lived a life of devotion- above all she was devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; she was devoted to her husband, Ted for her entire life; she was devoted to her family, and devoted to growing and sharing her talents and skills with others.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Terry's life will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 4:30 P.M. at Faith Alliance Church in New Bremen with Pastor Tom Segar officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a future date in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. prior to the service at Faith Alliance Church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Ohio's Hospice of Miami County (3230 N. Co. Road 25A, Troy, Ohio 45373) or to Faith Alliance Church (6670 Knoxville Ave., New Bremen, Ohio 45869). Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is assisting the Wagner family, and memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.