John Olmstead Wagner

John O. (Wag) Wagner passed away on July 2, 2026 after a long battle with kidney disease.

He was the son of Dr. John C. Wagner and Dorothy (Do) Wagner.

John was born 3/16/1950 and grew up in Frederick with his 2 sisters Barbara and Nancy.

He was married to his wife Carol for 49 years.

John opened Wag’s Restaurant in downtown Frederick in 1981, and successfully ran what became a Frederick institution for 43 years until selling it in January 2025. John always wanted to own his own business. Before opening Wags, he had a front row seat to restaurant kitchens, delivering French bread to many DC restaurants. He picked up hints and tricks of the trade from the cooks and chefs he came to know and saw on a regular basis. John’s love of cooking showed at home and every day at Wag’s and he was a very talented cook. Wag’s and John became synonymous.

He loved being a restauranteur and created what many have called a fixture in downtown Frederick.

John’s second proudest achievement was his sobriety. He often used his personal journey to help others along the way.

John was an accomplished musician, and for years enjoyed playing tennis in his Monday night foursome. He and his wife Carol loved traveling with his favorite place being Italy. He loved Hawaiian shirts and was seldom seen not wearing one.

John was an animal lover. Over the years, he and Carol owned 5 dogs and 2 cats. Their Newfoundland dogs, Koby and Cleo held a special place in his heart. He leaves behind a 10 year old Havanese named Lenny.

John courageously chose to stop dialysis after more than a year, knowing that he would not have long to live. He thanks the staff at Fresenius Dialysis for their excellent care during the long months of treatment. He also thanks the staff at Frederick Health Hospice and Kline Hospice House for making his last few days peaceful. Special thanks to Desi Thomas for being there and making him laugh.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on July 15, 2026 at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home from 12 to 2. A celebration of life will begin at 2, with a reception to follow at Union Mills Public House.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to World Central Kitchen (wck.org) where his love of cooking for others can continue and do so much good for so many.