Jon T. Wagenknecht ’71

We are sad to report the death of Jon Wagenknecht May 21, 2012, due to heart failure after unsuccessful cardiac transplantation.

Jon attended Wayland Academy in Wisconsin before coming to Princeton, where he majored in economics. Subsequently, Jon earned an MBA from the University of Chicago. He began a career, first in banking, then in real-estate finance.

Jon made his home in Lake Forest, Ill., where he was an active and beloved member of the Lake Forest community. He was an avid tennis player, an enthusiastic cook, and a supporter of the Lake Forest booster club. His daughter, Paige, wrote the following in describing her father: “He practiced, preached, and strongly valued honesty, integrity, and truthfulness. He taught his children that these values led to happiness, good relationships, and long-lasting friendships.” Jon was a terrific father, brother, and colleague; he acted as the family center and was a dedicated friend to many.

The class extends its sympathy to friends and his surviving family, including his children: Theodore, Paige, Leigh, and Wyatt; and five siblings, Karl, Lynn, Ann, Eric, and Celenda. Jon’s sister, Kay ’73, died in 1997. He was divorced.