RAPID CITY - Timothy Joseph Wagner was born on March 3, 1985 in Rapid City, SD. He joined his brother Kevin as the second child of John and Susan Wagner. Tim was baptized at Rapid City Regional Hospital shortly after his birth, as he only weighed 2 pounds. With the skilled aid of the intensive care staff, he was able to overcome adversity and come home to his family after two months. At the early age of three, Tim fell in love with fishing thanks to his Dad and Grandpa John Wagner. Soon after that, Tim started playing soccer. His older brother Kevin enjoyed coaching Tim and his teammates. Tim's mother Susan remembers their years of home education, the daily joys of learning together, celebrating Tim's achievements and co-oping with other families. As a youngster, Tim had a strong faith in Christ. He eagerly studied his Catholic faith, received the sacraments and was a reverent altar server. He participated in youth groups and summer camps. Tim was fascinated with wildlife and collected all sorts of pets. As it turned out, his favorite pet was a cat named Pete, who became his lifelong friend. Later in life, Tim became an avid bird hunter and continued his passion for fishing. He could identify nearly any fish in the United States and was one of the Rooster's best customers. His Dad will cherish in his heart the many fishing trips to Elm Springs, Farm Island, Pactola, Deerfield, California, Hawaii, the streams in the Black Hills and two canoe trips to Canada where hours of enjoyment, reflection on creation and the joy of catching the "Big One" will bring memories forever. On his 15th birthday, he traveled with his family to adopt the first of two sisters from China. Tim's love for his sisters, Anna and Elisa, was evident through his playfulness and ability to make them laugh. He cherished the time that he spent with his brother's family, Kevin's wife Summer and their two children, Lucas and Hadley. Tim was proud to be a role model to his niece and nephew and being Lucas's Godfather. He even affected stranger's lives as he brought joy to many children on their birthdays as the voice of the dinosaur at Peppy's Pizza. Tim's life and accomplishments were a blessing to his family and friends. He was a member of Cathedral Parish, graduated from high school in 2002 and was currently attending Black Hills State University. Tim was a patriot. He had great love for his country and joined the Army in 2004, completing basic training. His physical limitations prevented him from fulfilling one of his dreams of serving his country in Iraq. He was medically discharged which was a great disappointment to him but with his resilience, he discovered other ways to serve his family and friends. On July 2, 2009, Timothy passed away at the young age of 24. Tim taught his family many valuable lessons about life and love. He was kind and compassionate to everyone. He was willing to give of himself totally for the love of his friends and family. His teasing, quick wit and positive attitude on life has been an encouragement to all of us. Timothy will be remembered by his parents, John and Susan Wagner; siblings, Elizabeth, Anna, Kevin and his family; his grandpa Dick and step-grandmother Elena VanPelt; grandmother June VanPelt; great aunts Beverly Cochran and Helene Freeland; aunt Kay Meyer and uncles Dave, Dan and Jim VanPelt and other family and friends. His grandparents John and Margaret Wagner preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 PM on Wednesday, July 8 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City. A Christian wake service will be held at 7 PM. on Wednesday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with visitation prior to the service. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM on Thursday, July 9 at Cathedral of our Lady of Perpetual Help with Rev. Michel Mulloy and Rev. Leo Hausmann presiding. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. A memorial has been established for Catholic Social Services. His forgiving heart, kindness and zest for life will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.