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Richard (RV) Wagner

November 23, 2020

On this foggy November day, we bring sad news. Our flag flies at half-mast. Kozeny-Wagner co-founder, Richard (RV) Wagner, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Richard Virgil “RV” Wagner, 84, entered the heavenly card room.  Richard was born on December 23, 1935 and was the son of the late Virgil Eugene and Lucille (Engelhard) Wagner and stepfather, Pat Cleghorn. Rich was the oldest of four children— the late Robert Wagner, Nancy Benz, and Jeanne Fischer.

Richard married Rita Mae (Huhn) Wagner on September 12, 1959. They were together for more than 60 years. He will always be in the hearts of his children — Cynthia (Jeff) Mentel, Richard V. (Kelly) Wagner Jr., Daniel (Julie) Wagner, the late Thomas Wagner, Timothy (Bobette) Wagner, Michelle (Vernon) Brittingham, Jennifer (Steve) Settlemoir, and Christopher Wagner. He was most proud of his 28 grandchildren.

RV will be remembered for his love of Spanish Echo Farms, Sunset Country Club, Concord Village Lions Club, and many charitable organizations.

He was an incredible business man and proud owner of R.V. Wagner, Inc., Pella Windows & Doors of St. Louis, and our very own Kozeny Wagner, Inc.

Mr. Wagner and his kindergarten friend, Donald Kozeny became longtime buddies whose ambitions years later stirred them to form a construction business.  The pair, civil engineer Don and concrete expert Rich, pooled together $1,000 in 1965 and founded Kozeny-Wagner Construction, Inc. They created the motto “Building a Better Quality of Life” and dedicated it to the clients and communities the firm would serve. Neither of them knew that Kozeny-Wagner would become one of the biggest full-service construction companies in metro St. Louis.

Patrick Kozeny, President of Kozeny Wagner stated, “RV was a real St. Louis Construction Icon. His impact on our industry and Kozeny-Wagner is noteworthy. His large presence was respected by many. He was very proud of what we built and the men and women that build for Kozeny-Wagner. He will be missed, for sure. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rita, and his family. What a legacy!”

He was legendary for his generosity, work ethic, wit, and charm. He made an impact on everyone he met and will be missed by many – truly a life well played!

The Wagner Family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support. Let’s just have one more! God Bless America!

Please join us in our thoughts and prayers for RV, Rita, their kids, grandkids and friends during this difficult time.

Services:  A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s High School, St. Patrick’s Center or Our Little Haven. A service of Kutis Affton Chapel.