Remi Wagner Obituary

Wagner
Remi Wagner
March 17, 2003
October 22, 2024

In Loving Memory of Remi Wagner
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, Remi Wagner. Born in Colorado Springs on March 17, 2003, Remi lived a life filled with passion, grace, and authenticity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Derek and Mariana Wagner (née Zwierski), and his older brother, Orion Wagner. He is also survived by his grandmothers, Shelley Vandiver (Colorado) and Janice Martin (Oregon). He is also lovingly remembered by his aunt Jillian Vandiveer, uncles Tim Martin (with his sons Elijah and Noah), Adam Wagner and his wife Kendra (with their children Silas, Nora, and Margot), Jay Wagner and his wife Becca (with their son Eli), Remi's fiancée Wakana Hara, and his 3 beloved dogs, Dixon, Roscoe, and Doc. Remi's absence will be deeply felt by countless friends, family members, and communities around the world.
From an early age, Remi demonstrated a passion for movement and expression. He began dance lessons at age six with Dance Unlimited in Colorado. By 14, he focused entirely on ballet, training with the International Ballet School and Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy in Denver. His summers were filled with intense training at prestigious ballet programs across the United States, including San Francisco and New York. In early 2020, he performed with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow—a rare and treasured experience.
In 2021, Remi was accepted into the San Francisco Ballet School, where he danced for two years, including a year as a Trainee. In 2023, Remi took the next step in his journey with the Milwaukee Ballet II, where he continued to captivate audiences and forge deep connections with his peers until his untimely passing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the morning of October 22, 2024.
Remi's brilliance on stage was only matched by the warmth of his heart offstage. He had a loving bond with his family—talking cars and cooking with his dad, gaming (and yelling) late into the night with his brother and close friends, and taking road trips and attending concerts with his mom. He will always be remembered for his humor, kindness, humility, and tireless work ethic.
His dance teachers described him as a rare talent, someone who didn't just perform but became the music, telling stories through every movement. To his friends, Remi was a source of light and inspiration—a brother, mentor, and confidant who knew how to bring laughter to any room and make everyone around him feel seen and valued.
Remi's passing leaves a void in the ballet world and in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He was a beacon of authenticity, a dancer whose joy and dedication inspired others to dream bigger and live more fully.
Remi's memory will continue to shine in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless people he touched throughout his life. In honoring his legacy, let us remember to live with the same passion, love, and authenticity that defined Remi. As one friend beautifully expressed, "He wasn't musical—he became the music. He wasn't performing choreography—he told his story through movement."
Fly high, Remi. May your spirit dance eternally. Love, Mom, Dad, and Orion