Dr. Van Lewis Wagner

Van Lewis Wagner, MD, 65, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on January 25, 2026,
after a courageous and determined battle with cancer. He lived his life exactly as he
believed it should be lived—boldly, purposefully, and in relentless pursuit of meaningful
challenges.
Born on October 29, 1960 in Galion, Ohio, Van grew up with an early drive for
excellence. A 1979 graduate of Galion High School, he was a standout athlete, active in
football and an accomplished wrestler who qualified for the state championships during
both his junior and senior years. His academic achievements matched his athletic ones,
earning him induction into the National Honor Society.
Van went on to graduate from Case Western Reserve University in 1984 and earned his
medical degree from New York Medical College in 1989. He completed his general
surgery residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1994,
where he also met the love of his life, Debbie Webman. They were married on April 12,
1992, beginning a partnership defined by adventure, devotion, and shared dreams.
Board Certified in General Surgery since 1996, Van dedicated his career to improving
lives. In 2003, he opened Heart of America Bariatrics, where he performed thousands of
laparoscopic weight-loss procedures. A true innovator, Van developed and trademarked
a groundbreaking single-incision umbilical technique, reflecting his commitment to
advancing surgical care while prioritizing patient outcomes.
Outside the operating room, Van pursued life with extraordinary passion. An avid
mountaineer, he climbed the highest peaks in 45 U.S. states, including Mount Rainier in
Washington and Denali in Alaska. Together, Van and Debbie climbed on four of the
seven continents, conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Aconcagua in Argentina,
Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba in Mexico, Chimborazo and Cotopaxi in Ecuador, and exploring
Machu Picchu in Peru.
As a dedicated member of the Highpointers Club—whose mission is to reach the
highest point in each of America’s 3,200 counties—Van completed an impressive 648
high points, a testament to his perseverance and love of exploration.
Van also delighted in quieter challenges, including assembling massive jigsaw puzzles
with over 33,600 pieces, demonstrating patience and focus equal to his grander
pursuits. He and Debbie were passionate scuba divers, exploring underwater wonders
around the world, including Fiji, the Blue Hole in Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Together, they also shared a love for endurance, running marathons side by side.
Above all else, Van was a devoted husband and a proud father. He and Debbie raised
two beloved children, Jacob and Ariana Wagner, who were the center of his world.

Van is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie; his children, Jacob and Ariana; his parents,
John and Charlene Wagner; his siblings, Jay (Jessica) Wagner, Jon (Lynda) Wagner,
Guy (Charmane) Wagner, and Joi (Don) Boudreau; his cherished dog, Sophie; and
many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends who were inspired by his
generosity, intellect, and adventurous spirit.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law,
Berry and Lois Webman; and his sister-in-law, Vicki Wagner.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Van wrote and lived by this quote, “The journey of a person’s life must be full of amazing
experiences and incredible adventures. Always dream for the extreme and focus on
achieving those goals.”
He lived every word of that philosophy—and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to
inspire all who knew him.

To plant a tree in memory of Dr. Van Lewis Wagner, please visit our Tribute Store.