Marianne J. Wagaman

Marianne Jean Wagaman passed peacefully in Midland Hospice on Friday, October 18 in Topeka, Kansas. 

She lived a wonderful life in her 84 years on this Earth and now she is at peace in Heaven with her parents, friends, and family. Marianne was surrounded by her loving family as she transitioned. 

She was the only child of Marion and Anne Chance, who proceeded her in death. She was born on June 23, 1940 in Clemons, Iowa. She grew up in Ames, Iowa and later moved to Topeka, Kansas where she raised her family and dedicated her life to education as a public-school teacher, like her father, Marion who taught high school math in Iowa. Marianne loved telling friends and family she was part of the “Happy Days Generation.” She loved coke floats, ice cream Sundays, music from the 1950’s, poodle skirts, bobbie socks, doing the “Twist”, “The Fonze” dancing at “The Hop”, and keeping in touch with her classmates from Ames High School. With her beautiful smile, delightful laugh, positive attitude, blue eyes, and red hair she was a bright light that glowed for all who met her.

Marianne had two children, who survive. Wendy Montgomery (Husband, Mike Palmer) of Bloomington, Illinois and Jeffrey S. Wagaman of Topeka Kansas. She has two grandchildren. Chance Montgomery (Wendy) and Lindsey Anne Wagaman (Jeff). Her grandson Chance is named after Marianne’s father, Marion Chance and Lindsey Anne Wagaman is named after Marianne’s mother, Anne. She had two great grandchildren who she adored: Quinnley Montgomery and Grayson Montgomery (Chance). Marianne loved spending time with family. Marianne loved her close family that includes Kassidy Montgomery, sister-in-law Julie Wagaman Nelson and her husband Jeff Nelson and their large family, Theresa Shively-Porter, and countless cousins, friends, fellow teachers, and volunteers she met over her long, rich life.

Marianne was a teacher in Topeka Public Schools for 29 years, after she raised her children, retiring in 2000. After she retired, she worked part-time for the school district as a reading specialist and testing administrator. She volunteered at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library for over 20 years where she loved to greet friends and fellow volunteers. She also was a tour Guide at Cedar Crest, the Kansas Governor’s Residence. Marianne loved teaching, reading, puzzles, learning, and helping persons find the perfect book to read. She also tutored elementary school students and loved to volunteer in Granddaughter Lindsey Girl Scout Troop and day care center where she would read books and entertain the children. Marianne loved all children, books, and learning.

She attended public schools in Ames, Iowa including graduating from Iowa State University with a BA in Home Economics. After marrying and moving to Topeka, she later earned her Master of Education degree from Washburn University. Marianne was active in her churches, teachers’ organizations, the Topeka Public Library, and various volunteer organizations. She loved to laugh, entertain family and friends, be a little goofy, cheer for her Iowa State Cyclones, care for her beloved dachshunds, bake a tuna casserole or roast and potatoes for her family, chocolate treats with a cup of coffee or coke, and a warm piece of cake or pie. She enjoyed fellowship with her friends/family at Cedarhurst Assisted Living that she lovingly called “The Golden Girls.” Family, friends, teaching, public service, 1950’s music, dachshunds, chocolate, her Iowa State Cyclones, and laughter was so important to her.

Family does not ask for flowers. Memorial Gifts can be sent to the Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka where Marianne adopted several of her dachshunds and cared for them deeply. There was a small family service held for Marianne in October to celebrate her life. Her family thanks all her friends and medical staff for their support of Marianne over her 84 wonderful years.

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