Melisa Marie Bracht-Wagner, age 45, was gifted with eternal life on March 14, 2022. Echo had been by her side.
Timothy and Cheryl Bracht chose to raise me with a Midwest work ethic deeply grounded in a foundation of faith. David H. Wagner, Jr. married me for life’s adventures in 1999. Together, we selected a family of Sarah, Christian, and Malachi.
While my life revolved around serving Jesus within the church for 25 years, the greatest accomplishments were being the church in community through FLY, Flood Recovery 2008, Marion Cares, Fellowship Cup, and Building Bridges. I enjoyed empowering others to grow programs. Encouraging people to serve just outside their comfort zone. Educating away myths of faith and poverty.
My deepest regret was those moments I chose not to pause and listen. Listen to people who needed a moment. Listen to the why underneath the surface problem. Listen without judgment. Pause and listen.
I hated the sound of a ticking clock, being late, and the absence of term limits for Congress. I regret not witnessing the abolition of daylight savings time. I loved lunch meetings, ice cream, and listening to books while traveling.
Visitation will be 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 18 at Burlington First United Methodist Church, 421 Washington St, Burlington. Family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at the Chapel Auditorium on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University, 601 N. Main St., Mt Pleasant, presided by the Rev. Douglas Cue. Cookies and ice cream will follow at First United Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant. Graveside inurnment will be held in Huntertown Cemetery, Huntertown, Ind. on March 25 at 6 p.m.
Please hear me now - no flowers. I loved cut flowers during my life, even bought quite a few in the last few months of my life. In my death, don’t give me flowers. Instead, invest into my memorial for Burlington Building Bridges. Bridges Out of Poverty is a community collaboration that strives to overcome barriers while learning and strengthening the 11 resources needed to “Get Ahead” of poverty. For a true difference to be made in our corner of the kingdom, churches, non-profits, and the community we must work together. Bridges out of Poverty has the possibility to make a generational difference. Support it. Fund it. Volunteer to be a teammate. Donations may be made to 416 Jefferson Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601.
Per Melisa’s wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to Lunning Chapel.