Bryan Wagschal

Bryan Keith Wagschal passed away at the age of 38 on June 3, 2025, following a sudden cardiac event.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alexander and Mary Rocha, and Otis and JoAnn Wagschal.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife, Tana Wagschal; his parents, Steve and Laura Wagschal; his sisters, Melissa Potter and Sara Albertson; his brothers-in-law, Chad Potter and Richard Albertson; and his nephews, Ilo Albertson, Riley Potter, and Henley Potter; as well as a wide circle of beloved extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Bryan was born in Mesa, Arizona, and spent the majority of his childhood in Davenport, Iowa. He often spoke fondly of his upbringing, describing it as “the perfect childhood,” with doting parents. He was fortunate to form a solid group of friends early on—friendships that lasted throughout his life—and together they shared adventures that became legendary in their circle of friends. Bryan spent his youth carefree, pouring his energy into competitive soccer, hockey, and anything else that presented a new challenge.

After graduating from Davenport Central High School, Class of 2005, Bryan moved to Iowa City to pursue his education at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 2017. While in Iowa City, Bryan met the love of his life, Tana, while they worked together at Hy-Vee. Their deep connection blossomed quickly; they were engaged just 10 months after meeting and married three months later on August 12, 2012, at The House on the Rock’s Infinity Room, surrounded by close family.

Bryan had always dreamed of becoming a teacher and often commented that he couldn’t imagine doing anything else. He followed this passion with purpose, working in childcare centers and providing respite care while pursuing his degrees. These experiences further strengthened his commitment to helping young people learn and grow. Bryan continued his studies at Drake University in Des Moines, where he earned his Master of Arts in Teaching in 2021. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at Marshalltown High School, where he became a beloved member of the History department. There, staff and students became his second family. Bryan was deeply committed to supporting his students—whether in the classroom, cheering on the sidelines at games, contributing to fundraisers, or encouraging their entrepreneurial ventures.

Throughout his life, Bryan found joy in music. From his early days singing in church choirs and musicals to his later love of blues and rock, music was a constant presence in his life. He picked up a guitar at a young age and never put it down, exploring different styles such as slide guitar and writing his own music on weekends.

Bryan also had a deep love for history, with an uncanny ability to recall dates and events with ease. He lived by the belief that “a generation which ignores history has no past or future” and spent countless hours reading and learning about the subjects that fascinated him.

A passionate sports fan, Bryan remained loyal to his favorite teams—Go Hawks! Go Bears! Go Cubs! Go Blackhawks! He also had a profound love for animals, which was evident in the way he cared for his furry family members, including the pack he leaves behind—three dogs (Schmidty, Itty Bitty, and Quincy) and two cats (Kirby and Gordon Bombay “Baby Kitty”). They were showered with affection, treats, and toys, all in abundance.

Bryan was known for his unique eye for fashion, often sporting signature pieces like his yellow Doc Martens. If a piece of clothing brought him joy, no one could tell him otherwise. He also took well-deserved pride in his beard, which became part of his signature style.

Above all, Bryan was funny, easygoing, and always ready with a joke or a kind word to make others smile. He had a big heart and cared deeply for people, offering compassion with ease. With that big heart, Bryan became an outspoken advocate for those in society who often went unheard. His voice, his humor, and his unwavering kindness will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52803. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the same location. A reception will follow the service at Elks Club, 4400 West Central Park, Davenport, IA 52804, where friends and family can gather and share their favorite memories of Bryan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Bryan’s honor.