Peter Kraft Wagner Remembered for Vision and Creativity

Peter Kraft Wagner, a visionary and creative force, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 80 in Healdsburg. At the time of his death, he was actively pursuing several ambitious projects, including completing an original military-themed musical comedy based on Custer’s Last Stand, launching a new game called Cargo Runners for the iPad, and planning to commercially produce a family recipe for Aunt Aggie’s Tomato Relish.

Born in Glen Ridge, NJ, Wagner graduated from Dartmouth College in 1953 with a degree in English and was known for his athletic achievements. He served in the US Marine Corps, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. Throughout his career, he excelled as a salesman, working with IBM Corp. and representing prominent sportswear brands such as Jantzen, White Stag, Catalina, and Duffel. In the early 1980s, he founded Segrets Sun Prints, which later evolved into the popular Sigrid Olsen brand and was sold to Liz Claiborne Inc. in 1999.

Wagner had a deep love for the ocean and nautical activities. He lived in various coastal communities, including Rockport, MA, Estero, FL, and Bainbridge Island, WA. He restored several wooden boats and designed a yacht named the Silver Phantom. Under the umbrella of Puffin Marine, he designed a range of nautical items, including lanterns, mailboxes, and brass and wood products. He also enjoyed gardening, tennis, sailing, reading, and crafting puns.

Wagner married Sally Peabody in 1955, with whom he had four children: Jennifer (Warren) Hedgpeth, Geoffrey (Gretchen) Wagner, Gretchen Wagner, and Gwendolyn Butler. He later remarried Lee McGee in 1980. He is survived by his brother, Edward Wagner, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, August 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Beach Club in Port Ludlow, WA.