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1944
2017
Dr. John Wagenhofer, 72, of Westwood and Wood-Ridge, NJ died July 1st after 5 years suffering with Alzheimer's. He most recently was Chaplain of the Hospice Program out of Hackensack University Hospital which his wife Ragnhild (Ronnie) Sunstrom, RN, co-founded almost 40 years ago. John was formerly a Franciscan friar priest of Holy Name Province for 25 years with his first assignment in Garfield (1970-1979).
After receiving master's degrees in theology and counseling, John served in subcommittee leadership refining ethical guidelines in counseling with the American Counseling Association. He completed a doctorate in ministry at Andover Newton Theology School in Boston in 1982. He was then appointed the Director of Pastoral Studies at the Washington (DC) Theological Union, a school preparing women and men for ordination and lay pastoral ministry. During this decade John was also a member of the Franciscan Formation Team preparing new Franciscans with competencies and skills in their life and ministry. John was one of the first US Roman Catholic priests to create seminary ministry development programs having a doctoral degree in pastoral supervision and education formation for ministry pioneered at the Boston Theological Institute's 10 schools of theology and ministry.
Besides his wife Ronnie, John is survived by his step-daughter Pia Sunstrom Poulsen and grandchildren Magnus and Olivia. He is predeceased by his parents John and Francis, his sister Joan and nephew Andrew. John is also survived by his brother Joseph (Cynthia) and son Matthew and sister Claire (Jack) Gazlay with their daughters Ellen Gazlay and Carla (Ed) Rothgery.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on John's birthday October 28th, 12:00 noon, at his birth parish, Our Lady of the Assumption, 143 First Street, Wood-Ridge, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requests that donations be made to Valley Hospital Hospice, 15 Essex Road, Suite 301, Paramus, NJ 07652
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Becker Funeral Home.
October 28, 2017
pat sieber
Due to sickness I cannot attend the tribute to wags-we went on many trips together including almost freezing to death in Alaska, almost drowning rafting on the Lehigh river, kayaking on lake Yellowstone I would kid him about us being in danger together, many memories and many stories
will miss him until we adventure together in the next world
pay sieber ofm
September 8, 2017
Kate O'Connor (Kabis)
Knew him as Father John from Holy Name CYO. He was a wonderful and gentle man. A great spirit. I will remember him fondly. He made the world a better place. My sympathy.
July 10, 2017
Cathy & Dennis Crossan
Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Wagenhofer and the family. John was truly an exceptional person and we knew him when he was at Most Holy Name parish. He was a wonderful mentor and he will always have a special place in our hearts. We were blessed to have Fr. John marry us so many years ago. May all the love he gave to others now envelope him for all eternity.
July 9, 2017
Jack Simeonoglou
So sad to hear of the passing of "Father John". An extraordinary man who will be missed by thousands....I'll never forget my days at Most Holy Name while John was there...God bless you......
July 9, 2017
Gina Giresi
As a child, Fr. John was a bright spot in my religious education at Holy Name in Garfield. Young and vibrant and full of passion for Christ. He has always been my favorite and I am saddened by his passing. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family. He was very special and won't ever be forgotten.
July 8, 2017
Lou Cartnick
We are saddened to read of John's passing. We have many fond memories of him at Assumption Grade School and St. Mary High School. Keeping John and all his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy,
Lou & Sharyn Cartnick
July 4, 2017
Genie Moreno (née Castrillon/Lewis)
Peace and comfort to John's loving spirit and very deep and sincere condolences to his family and dear ones. John's kindness, humor, comforting honesty and steadfastness were a gift to so many of us whose lives he touched. May he rest eternally in loving arms.
July 2, 2017
Friend
Ray Noble
My prayers for John and his loved ones and many fond memories of John are brought to mind as I remember John, one of my dearest childhood friends.
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