Jennifer Wagner
January 16, 1973 - September 13, 2026
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Jennifer L. Wagner, 53, on September 13, 2026, in Billings, MT. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, educator, and cherished soul who spread joy and positivity to all she met.
Jenny was born in San Diego, CA, to Zehner Hoffman, III, and Linda Hoffman. Jenny grew up in California with her younger brother Michael. She graduated from high school in 1991, where she developed her love for teaching while working at numerous summer camps.
In her youth, Jenny often visited her beloved grandparents, Earnst and Mary. She danced in ballet for many years and even earned her pointe shoes. One of her favorite memories was performing in The Nutcracker.
The first in her family to attend college, Jenny graduated from the University of California, Davis, in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Managerial Economics, and earned her teaching credential from St. Mary's College of California the following year.
Jen met the love of her life, David Wagner, in 1997, while attending a friend's wedding at Hilands Golf Club. They married the next year at St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral and later welcomed their two dear daughters, Claire and Camille.
Jen began her lifelong teaching career as a 4th-grade teacher at Dry Creek School in CA. Upon moving to Billings, she became the Extended Studies K-12 Coordinator for Shepherd Public Schools. In 2001, she founded MiMi's Playschool, teaching children ages 3 to 5 using methods such as Musikgarten and Redirecting Children's Behavior.
In 2010, Jennifer returned to the classroom at Blue Creek Elementary School. There, “Ms. Jen” spent the next 15 years wearing many hats, as she liked to say: K-6 classroom teacher, Extended Studies Coordinator, Math Olympiads Coordinator, Science Fair Organizer, Early Morning Program Instructor, and mentor to student teachers. Ms. Jen did it all.
Jennifer joined P.E.O. in 2003 and spent the next 23 years alongside her P.E.O. sisters, supporting women as they pursued their educational goals. She served as president of the AS Chapter from 2021 to 2023.
In 2022, she joined the Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Education (MT AGATE), where she served as a board member and Parent Involvement Chair, coordinated the annual Gifted Education conference, and advocated tirelessly for gifted and talented students to receive an appropriate and relevant education.
Jennifer is preceded in death by her dear mother, Linda; grandparents Earnst and Mary Smalley, Zehner II and Oma Hoffman; aunt Julia McGinnis; uncle and aunt-in-law Gerald and Penelope Peabody.
Jennifer is survived by her husband of 28 years, Dave; daughters Claire and Camille; father Zehner Hoffman, III; brother Michael Hoffman (Marilou); father and mother-in-law Michael and Barbara Wagner; sisters-in-law Pamela Wagner (Lynna) and Holly Wagner; brother-in-law Daniel Wagner (Pamela); nephews Zehner Hoffman, IV and Michael Hoffman, Jr; aunts Ellen Kuhn, Susan Blankenship (David), Sara Alpert (Irwin), Rose Hoffman, and Aimee Worley (Earl); uncle Robert Smalley (Becky); uncles-in-law Richard Walker (Mary) and Keith Walker; numerous cousins, nieces, and other nephews; and many friends, students, and loved ones.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 25th, 2026 at 5:30 PM at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at The Billings Depot. The urn will be interred at a later date. Please wear bright colors in honor of Jennifer’s bright and vibrant personality.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the “Jennifer Wagner Memorial Fund” to help fund a memorial scholarship in Jennifer’s name. Funds will establish a scholarship supporting students and teachers. Donations will help students with college costs, provide financial aid when needed, and offer teachers grant funding for school supplies and other classroom needs. This fundraiser carries Jennifer’s kindness, generosity, and dedication forward in a lasting, meaningful way. You can also donate directly at any Stockman Bank of Montana.
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