Aaron Wagner, 45, of Grinnell, died at his home on Friday, September 23, 2022 of natural causes.

A private family service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to the Grinnell Area Mental Health Consortium - JPK and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.smithfh.com.

Aaron was born June 13, 1977, in Grinnell to John and Joyce (Vales) Wagner. He graduated from Grinnell High School in 1995, Grinnell College in 1999, and the University of Chicago in 2012. At Chicago he earned a degree from the Master of Arts Program in Social Studies. During his junior year at Grinnell, he took a semester of study abroad in Zimbabwe. He earned a degree in Social Studies at Grinnell with a concentration in African-American studies. He was on the varsity tennis teams in high school and college. As a senior in high school, he was selected to the Iowa High School All-State Band as a percussionist.

Aaron's passions after graduation were advocating for minorities and workers plus working for Democratic campaigns. He was an ardent fan of the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bears, and the Hawkeyes. He also possessed scholarly knowledge in rap and hip-hop music.

Aaron leaves behind his parents, John and Joyce Wagner; two brothers, Jason (Ann Clark) Wagner and their sons, Zeke and Leo, and Adam (Betsy) Wagner and their daughter, Leena.

The sign above Aaron's desk reads: "Don't give up. Don't lie down. Don't settle for less. Keep trying."