After a life of love and quiet grace, Ryan Clifford Wagner of Sheridan, WY has passed.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
The lessons of a parent travel forward, often without their name attached.
With profound sadness and an abundance of love, we announce the passing of our husband, father, son, brother and friend Ryan Wagner. Ryan lost his five-year battle with a rare spinal cancer. And true to his motto, "Never give up," he outlived all statistical expectations and lived longer than the other 17 people in the world with the same disease.
Ryan was born on January 5, 1977 in Miles City, MT and developed lifelong friends through sports hunting and fun. He attended Custer County High School where he was an accomplished athlete playing football and baseball, earned all-state honors, was named a Blue Chip player for baseball, and was offered scholarships from several schools. He selected the University of North Dakota and spent two years playing football and baseball before deciding to pursue a career in golf. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in business and golf management and also earned his PGA card and was hired as an assistant pro at
The Powderhorn in Sheridan, Wyoming in 2000. It was at the Powderhorn that he met his wife, Stephanie Biastoch, and his life became more exciting and fulfilled. They were married on October 15, 2005, beginning a 20-year partnership defined by love, adventure and the joy of raising their two children Camryn and Drew. As a team, they built their life in Sheridan surrounded by family and friends.
As the kids grew he held leadership and sales positions with the Powderhorn while laying the foundation to forge his own path with his own business ventures. This leap started with the purchase of a laundromat in Sheridan. In 2009 he began franchising Aaron's Sales and lease stores in eastern Montana and western ND. Along the way he started changing employee lives through support and "tough love" as well as building the Sheridan Jr. golf association in partnership with friends and golfers. Wanting to move his business interests to Sheridan, he contracted with the City in 2021 to manage the Kendrick golf course, and then in 2022 he and Stephanie purchased the majority interest in The Mint along with three long-time friends. He was proud to own the Sheridan landmark. He frequently said he was merely the caretaker of the history and legends, so people could make a memory, soak in the western spirit and take a picture under the iconic neon sign. He also continued his impact by sponsoring fundraisers for people in need and consistently contributing to key causes in town.
Ryan and Steph shared the love of travel attending the Kentucky Derby, Cabo San Lucas with friends, soaking in the new experiences and fun. Ryan's love of golf, competition and tradition also took him to the old and traditional courses of Pine Valley, Philly Cricket, and Merion in the Philadelphia areas and were highlights in his golf travels. His other passions included hunting and fishing which was fodder for endless stories. His favorite competition to watch was easily Camryn and Drew as he cheered them on in every success.
He was usually described as "a really great guy and businessman," but he leaves a legacy of lifelong learning, giving, and leadership which have impacted countless lives now and in the future. He made people better and set a high standard for others to follow.
Ryan is survived by his wife of 20 years, Stephanie, daughter Camryn(18) and son Drew(16). He is also survived by his parents, Terry and Jan Wagner of Sheridan, his brother Jase, wife Sarah and children Copeland, Tatem and Nina of Edina, MN, his in-laws, Bill and Mavis Biastoch, sister and brother-in-law Lynette and Tim Barnes and niece Hannah. He is also survived by a multitude of friends, including three high school friends, Jeff Jens, Greg Regan, and Brett Nansel and their families, who have selflessly supported him through this journey.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Camille, who was 4 years old.
In the spirit of giving, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Sheridan Jr. Golf Association where we will establish a scholarship in the name of Ryan Wagner.
A Celebration of Life, and Reception will be held at The Barn In Bighorn on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Inurnment will take place in the Juniper Heights section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery at a later date.
Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.
