Rocky Wagner

Welcome

Good afternoon

On behalf of the Wagner family, I want to thank you for being here today as we gather to celebrate the life of Rocky Wagner

Moments like this are never easy…

When loss leaves us searching for words, our presence often speaks louder than anything we could say

You being here today brings more comfort to this family than you may realize

So truly, thank you for coming, for loving them, and for honoring Rocky with your presence

Reflection

Rocky was someone who left an impression on you almost immediately

He never met a stranger, and if you talked with him for more than a minute, you already knew that

Once a conversation started, you might as well buckle in, you were going to be there a while… and before long, somehow, you’d find yourself talking about fishing

But what always stood out to me wasn’t just his gift of conversation, it was his gift of encouragement

Almost every time I spoke with Rocky, he had something kind to say, something thoughtful, a word of thanks or affirmation that I didn’t even know I needed

He had a way of making people feel seen and appreciated

And that was because Rocky loved deeply, his wife Shelley, his boys, his grandkids, his family, and his church

And that love showed itself not just in words, but in how he lived, how he served, and how he gave of himself to others

One of the most beautiful parts of Rocky’s story is that he came to know Christ later in life

His salvation is a powerful reminder that the Lord is always at work, always pursuing, always calling, always able to change a heart

Rocky’s life stands as a testimony that it is never too late for grace, never too late for redemption, and never too late for new life in Christ

Scripture

Because of that reality today we gather with hope

Hope that the truth of scripture is good news

The good news of Psalm 116:15 which says:

Psalm 116:15 ESV

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

For us, Rocky’s passing was sudden and unexpected

It was a shock

It’s a day that’s hard to comprehend and even harder to put into words

There are questions we didn’t expect to be asking and grief we weren’t prepared to carry

But this verse reminds us of something good and true: while this day surprised us, it did not surprise the Lord

What feels devastating to us is described in Scripture as precious to God, not because loss is easy, but because on this day, the Lord brought one of His saints, His sons, His beloved, home into eternity with Him

Rocky’s death was not unnoticed, not meaningless, and not outside of God’s loving care

It was the day his faith became sight, and the day he was fully and finally home

And here is the good news for us today… the same Lord who calls the death of His saints precious is the Lord who draws near to those who grieve

And so, trusting Him with Rocky and with our hearts, let’s go to the Lord in prayer.

Prayer

Father, we come to You today with heavy hearts. We thank You for the life of Rocky—for his love, his kindness, his encouragement, and the faith You gave him in Christ.

We ask that You would draw near to Shelley, to their children, grandchildren, and family. Be their comfort and their strength in these days of grief. Where words fail, let Your presence be enough.

Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus, that death is not the end, but the doorway to eternal life. Thank You that Rocky is now home with You, his faith made sight.

In Jesus’ name, amen.