Rhonda Wagner, born Rhonda Schields of Oconomowoc, WI, passed away on November 1, 2023 from heart failure after a week long battle in the ICU.
Rhonda was born in Two Harbors, MN on June 10, 1973. As a young girl of 5, she ran away from home nearly every week with a paper grocery bag full of clothes -- never actually leaving sight of the house and almost always with her older brother reluctantly in tow.
After moving to Oconomowoc, WI in 1984, she graduated early from Oconomowoc High School in 1991. Throughout High School and early adulthood, Rhonda continued to show a penchant for independent action, always trying to get out on her own, always willing to work hard to establish her own life. She would start her career as a bank teller for First Bank of Oconomowoc (now Bank 59) and became the Deposit Operations Coordinator in a nearly 30 year career.
Rhonda shined as a mother. She loved her children above all else and occupied her time as most mothers do with worry about grades and pride in the adults they were well on their way to becoming.
Rhonda loved watching her children play sports, the Wisconsin State Fair, and took her vacations on Gulf beaches far to the south. She could soak in the sun’s rays for days.
She is survived by her children Addison (17) and Kaden (15), her father Ron, her mother Shirley, her brother Eric (wife Lisa, and children Dillon, Ian, and Allyson), her dog Rosco, and approximately a million friends who will all remember her bright spirit.
The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and doctors of the ICU at Froedert Hospital.
A graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 in La Belle Cemetery in Oconomowoc at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Rhonda Schields Benefit Fund
c/o Bank 59
155 W. Wisconsin Ave,
Oconomowoc, WI 53066