Marialyce Wagner

Marialyce (Cockerill) Wagner passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at the age of 79. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose life was defined by her deep commitment to her family.

Born on October 10, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, Marialyce was the daughter of James (Jim) and Gladys (Elwick) Cockerill. She was raised on a farm west of Gretna and attended Gretna Public Schools from kindergarten, graduating from Gretna High School in 1964. Marialyce went on to attend nursing school before ultimately having a family and entering the workforce. She would complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business at Bellevue University several years later.

In 1966, Marialyce crossed paths again with high school friend Jerry Wagner. Though they never dated in high school, fireworks sparked later when Jerry returned from his military service and they reunited at the famous Gretna Bowling Alley. The two were wed in April 1967 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, the same church she was baptized and confirmed years before. After welcoming two sons, Bradley and Michael, they built a beautiful life together for the next 59 years.

Marialyce dedicated the early years of her marriage to being a proud stay-at-home mom. Once her boys were old enough for school, she began working at the school before transitioning to a successful 20-year career in the telephone industry. She worked for Western Electric, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies, eventually retiring from AVAYA. She remained active after retirement working for many years at Mahoney State Park, Vala's Pumpkin Patch, and for the Omaha Storm Chasers. She cherished the many friendships she made during this time.

Beyond her professional life, Marialyce was an avid sports enthusiast and loved to watch football, volleyball and baseball. There was not a sporting event she didn't enjoy. It didn't make a difference if it was high school, college, or professional sports, if you wanted to know what team a player was on, you just asked Marialyce. She was a passionate supporter of the Gretna Dragons, a dedicated Nebraska Football season ticket holder, and a regular at the College World Series each year. At home, her competitive spirit truly shined around the family game table during the holidays. Above all, she loved keeping track of her family’s lives across the Midwest, East, and West coasts.

Marialyce was preceded in death by her parents: Jim and Gladys Cockerill; her sister: Jean Coard; brothers-in-law: Edward Wagner and Mark Starling; and sisters-in-law: Marge Wagner and Vicki Wagner.

She is survived by her husband: Gerald M. "Jerry" Wagner; her sons: Bradley Wagner and Michael Wagner and his wife, Nikki; and her grandson: Dylan Wagner. She also leaves behind her brother: John (Hoa) Cockerill; sister: Maggie Starling; brothers-in-law: Dennis (Cheryl) Wagner and Neil Wagner; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral Mass 10:30 AM Tuesday (6/30/2026) with Rosary 9:15 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church 508 Angus St. Gretna, Nebraska; Burial at Omaha National Cemetery. Luncheon, at the church, following the mass.

Memorials to American Cancer Society.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Gretna Chapel - 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090

www.RoederMortuary.com