Lee Charles Wagenblast 11/15/1975 - 03/01/2026
Lee Charles Wagenblast was born November 15, 1975 to Lee and Judith Wagenblast in St. Louis, MO. His early years were filled with soccer, hockey, and things of that nature. His adolescence with skateboarding and the beginning of his love for rap music, punk music, folk music, indie music, and especially music from bands most of us never chanced to discover until he shared them with us. His adult years added a joy for hiking, kickball, dodgeball, unconventional sports of all kinds, and he was an enthusiastic spectator of WWE wrestling (He’d tell you wrestling is the first sport mentioned in the Bible).
Lee encountered the Lord at the age of 21, and subsequently lived as a new creation in Jesus Christ. From that time until his bodily death, Lee lived a life of service and love towards the Lord and others. He served in many ministry capacities - Church Secretary, Missionary, Church Planter, Volunteer, etc. He most memorably served as a Youth Pastor for over 20 years. In his last days, even as he lay on his deathbed, he shared about God’s goodness, told people about Jesus’ love for them, and encouraged them to seek the Lord. Lee’s faith in Jesus Christ and those he discipled into that same, obedient faith became his lasting legacy.
Lee is survived by his wife, Mary Wagenblast, his two sons Hezekiah and Josiah, bonus-kids, Jacob, Isaiah, and Noah, his mom and step-dad, Judy and Bob Keller, his sister, Julie (Ken) Hartenstein, step-siblings, Steve Keller (Lisa) and Connie (Devin) Denman, nieces, nephews, and a motley crew of beloved friends who feel like family.
Though those of us who remain mourn in sadness at this loss, we take the lessons we learned in watching Lee’s life, walking with and learning from him: lessons of forgiveness, of boldness, of standing on the truth, of perseverance through trials, of trust in the Lord, of faithfulness, of generosity of heart, of love. We are comforted by knowing he is in Heaven with his Savior, the one he loved so deeply, and that we will one day be reunited with him there.
Please join us as we celebrate Lee’s life on Sunday, March 8 at Partnership Christian Church in Maryville, TN. Lee wouldn’t want you to feel like you need to get dressed up, so wear your “normal” clothes, black or not. Visitation and receiving of friends will be from 2 - 4pm, followed by a worship service at 4pm. We invite you to stay afterwards for some of Lee’s favorites: Mexican-themed potluck (bring a dish as you are able) and hanging out around the table with friends.
A Memorial Mass for Lee will be celebrated in Saint Louis at Assumption Church - Mattese on Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30pm. Immediately following the Mass, there will be a gathering/visitation in the church lower level. A light meal and desserts will be served.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Youth Scholarship Fund for the students of Partnership Christian Church. These funds will support students and their families with the financial cost of Youth Group camps, conferences and activities. As Lee would say, “Go big or go home!”
