Barbara Ann Wagner of Springfield, IL, 93, died at 3:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Reflections Memory Care in Chatham. She was born December 24, 1932, the daughter of Leo Reiger Fuhrman and Mary Lou Carroll, who died in 1994 and 1984, respectively. Also preceding her in death were brothers, John Fuhrman, in 1985, and James Fuhrman, in 1998.
Barb was a lifelong resident of Springfield and a longtime member of the Church of the Little Flower. She was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School and Ursuline Academy. She especially enjoyed the hustle and bustle of raising seven children, her close friendships with grade school and high school classmates, and taking long walks with family, friends, co-workers, or just the family dog. She loved to laugh and care for others.
Until her retirement in 2000, Barb served as jury administrator for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Always known for her grace and warmth, a juror wrote this message to Barb on the day she retired: “I just want to thank you for all the courtesies extended to me and the other members of the Grand Jury. From day one, you have been a patient, cheerful, and friendly advisor to our little group. Every time one of us walked in through your door, you made us feel as if we were the most important part of your day.” Similarly, a longtime friend of Barb’s once said: “When you meet her, you feel like you’re at a party!” That sense of warmth, humor, and fun never left her.
Surviving are her seven children, Phillip J. Wagner (wife, Nancy Kaplan), Mary F. (Wagner) Keldermans (husband, Steven Keldermans), Theresa M. (Wagner) Fahey, Thomas J. Wagner (wife, Lisa Moscoso), Robert J. Wagner (wife, Ann Velasco), Michael J. Wagner (wife, Ellen Biggs), and Daniel J. Wagner (wife, Lisa Thompson), and 22 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
The family gives special thanks to the staff of Reflections Memory Care for treating their mom with warmth, skill, and much affection during her final years.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield or St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Chatham.
Visitation: 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Friday, June 5, 2026, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Mass: 9:30 am, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Church of the Little Flower with Rev. Allen Kemme officiating. A burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
A luncheon will occur after the graveside service at Little Flower School, at 12:30 p.m.
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