Ronald Albert Gagne

Ronald Albert Gagne (Ron), age 72, passed away on September 21, 2026, surrounded by family in his home.

Ron was born on March 15, 1954, in Pennsylvania to Joseph G. Gagne and Gertrude M. Gagne (Martineau). He is preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Ann Gagne (Popes), and sister Irene Burdue of Dallas, TX.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Jo Gagne (Wagler); sons Robert J. Gagne (Ashley) of Keystone Heights, FL, James D. Gagne (Amanda) of Derby, KS, and Phillip G. Gagne (Jaymie) of Haysville, KS; daughter Natalie E. Knoblauch of Haysville, KS; grandchildren Trenton Gagne (Abbie) of Haysville, KS, Deven Keplar (Mandy) of Palestine, TX, Dylan Keplar (Cherai) of Krum, TX, Bentley Gagne, Westin Gagne, Harley Gagne, and Angela Gagne, all of Keystone Heights, FL; Barrett Gagne (Haley) of Rose Hill, KS; Grayson Gagne, Mavrik Gagne, Ledger Gagne, all of Derby, KS; and brother George Gagne (Doris) of Wichita, KS.

Ron graduated from South High School in Wichita, Kansas, in 1972 and married his high school sweetheart, Margaret, in September 1973. Together, they raised their three sons. Through high school, they were the cute couple who worked together at Joyland Amusement Park in Wichita. Margaret passed away in 2007.

He married the love of his life, Brenda Wagler—the woman whose voice he knew from the other end of the phone line when he would order work supplies—in June 2012. Together, they raised her daughter.

Ron chose a career in steel fabrication, where he worked in drafting, inspection, and quality control. He retired in 2025. Even after retirement, he welcomed any opportunity to answer the phone, recite inspection details, and talk “shop” with his previous coworkers.

He found his joy in his family and friends. He often stayed connected with the children Margaret cared for at her daycare, watching as they grew up and started their own families. He was a proud supporter of the Special Olympics, where Natalie competed. His Saturdays and evenings were always filled with his grandchildren’s events. He was the grandpa who was always up for zoo trips and holiday outings, which included bowling and arcade games with the grandkids. Ron shared his love for hunting and all things outdoors with his children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is planned for September 28 at 10 a.m. at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 1830 W. Grand Ave., Haysville, KS. Visitation will be at Smith Family Mortuary, 7031 S. Broadway in Haysville, KS, on September 27 from 2–5 p.m., with a Vigil Rosary at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678; www.stjude.org