Honoring Titus Wagler: A Reflection on a Life Well-Lived
Randy Evans shares a heartfelt tribute to Titus Wagler, a beloved member of the Bloomfield, Iowa community. Titus, brother to Ira Wagler and son of the renowned writer David Wagler, was a dedicated family man rooted deeply in his Amish faith. His life, marked by resilience and devotion, leaves a lasting legacy among those who knew him.
In his recent column, titled “Never put off what you might regret”, Randy recounts discovering Titus’s passing through a brief obituary in the Bloomfield Democrat. The obituary, concise yet poignant, detailed the life of a man who was instrumental in local business and community life. Born in 1957, Titus was 66 years old at the time of his death and had spent over four decades contributing to the local economy through his work.
In 1997, alongside relatives, Titus established Midwest Truss Co., a modest manufacturing enterprise specializing in wooden trusses for builders across southern Iowa and northern Missouri. His dedication to craftsmanship and community service made him a respected figure in the region.
Despite his active life, Randy admits to a lingering regret: he had long promised to visit Titus for coffee and meaningful conversation, only to continually postpone the visit due to various commitments, weather challenges, and distractions. He reflects:
“Titus couldn’t easily come to see me. It was not simple to organize a casual meet-up in Des Moines for two acquaintances from different worlds. Titus spent 42 of his 66 years in a wheelchair, and his closest friends often provided transportation or assistance. His unwavering faith and resilience in the face of physical challenges inspired many.”
Randy describes Titus as a devout member of the Old Order Amish Church, a community known for its distinctive attire—wide-brimmed hats and bonnets—and for choosing traditional modes of transportation, such as horse-drawn buggies. The Amish lifestyle also eschews modern conveniences like electricity, television, computers, and even telephones, reflecting their commitment to simplicity and separation from worldly distractions.
He shares how their relationship deepened through extended conversations over the phone, often sparked by Randy’s columns. These dialogues delved into various topics, including societal trends and aspects of Amish life, which Titus observed with keen insight:
- Discussions about the Amish way of life, emphasizing their values of compassion and forgiveness.
- Reflections on community resilience, especially following tragedies like the Nickel Mines shooting, where Amish families showed profound grace towards the perpetrator’s family.
- Debates on societal changes and the importance of maintaining faith and tradition amidst modern pressures.
Randy recalls how these conversations only heightened his desire to meet Titus face-to-face. He envisioned visiting their home west of Bloomfield, where Ruth, Titus’s wife, would warmly welcome him with a fresh pot of coffee. Unfortunately, life’s busy pace prevented this meeting, leaving Randy with a sense of regret that many can empathize with.
He also mentions his admiration for David Wagler, Titus’s father, whose writings on faith and perseverance have touched many. David’s book, Through Deep Waters, recounts the harrowing diving accident that left Titus paralyzed, illustrating the strength of their family’s faith and resilience.
Furthermore, Randy acknowledges Ira Wagler, author of Growing Up Amish and Broken Roads: Returning to my Amish Father. Ira’s writings explore complex family relationships and the challenges of reconciling faith with personal identity. Ira’s reflections provide an intimate glimpse into the Wagler family’s enduring faith and love.
Though Randy admits he never had the opportunity to truly know Titus, he cherishes the memories of brief encounters and the lessons learned from afar. He extends his heartfelt condolences to Titus’s family, especially Ira and the entire Wagler lineage, honoring a man whose life embodied humility, faith, and unwavering dedication to his community.