Steeler Great Michael R. Mike Wagner

Steeler Great Michael R. "Mike" Wagner, age 76, of Pine Twp., Mars, PA, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, February 18, 2026 at Ridgecrest at Cranberry Woods.

Born in Waukegan, Illinois on June 22, 1949, he was the son of the late Robert and Irna Mitchell Wagner and was the step-son of the late Martha Wagner.

He was a graduate of the Western Illinois University and later earned an MBA from Pitt.

Mike played as a safety with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1971-1980, winning four Super Bowl rings. He earned consecutive Pro Bowl nods in 1975 and 1976. Mike was inducted into the Steeler Hall of Honor in 2020.

He had worked with Andy Russell in Acquistions and Mergers and had been a Vice President of First National Bank. 

He had volunteered as an assistant football coach for Pine-Richland High School.

Beloved husband of Becky Bolden-Wagner, loving father of Farrell Wagner of Pittsburgh, Heather Wagner of Portland, Oregon, Larry Biesuz (Jennifer) of Lewiston, New York and Vincent Biesuz (Debi) of Vandergrift, proud grandfather of Samantha (John), Maxx, Dillon (Alyssa), Kristofer (Katie)and Dominic (Gabby), great grandfather of Mia, Rory, Ronan, Gavin, Maverick, Myla, Olivianna, Carlotta, brother of Patricia Vasilius of Gurnee, Illinois, Frank Wagner (Carolynn) of Beach Park, Illinois and Joe Wagner (Chris) of Ft. Dodge, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph Meyers and a brother-in-law, Bill Vasilius.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Rd. Sewickley,  PA 15143 on SATURDAY, MARCH 7. 2026 AT 1:00 PM  The family will greet attendees at a reception immediately following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Rd. Renfrew, PA 16053, the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd. Aliquippa, PA 15001 or to Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch, 500 Hodgson Road, Darlington, PA 16115.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA 16046 and condolences may be placed at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.