Stephen Vagasky

Stephen Vagasky, 99, of Red Wing, died peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born on February 4, 1927, in Zipov, Czechoslovakia. He was raised by his mother, grandmother and uncle, when his father emigrated to the United States when he was a year old. He attended five years of school in Zipov. At the age of 10, he and his mother emigrated to the United States, where he was able to meet his father for the first time. They met in Minneapolis, built a home in south Minneapolis and he graduated from Roosevelt High School.

Steve served six years in the US Navy from 1945 to 1951. He attended business school and began his banking career at First National Bank in the proofing department. There he met the love of his life, Clarice Voigt. They dated for a year and a half and were united in marriage on September 29, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. They were blessed with five sons, Steven, James, David, Paul and Mark. Steve worked in the banking industry in the communities of Minneapolis, New Hope, Taylor Falls and Fairfax before moving to Red Wing in 1981. Steve and Clarice along with Jim Kloster owned First National Bank in Maiden Rock for 10 years until Steve retired in 1990.

Steve was a member of United Lutheran Church, Red Wing Elks BPOE #845 and the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54. He also volunteered his time driving for Faith and Action and was instrumental in starting the Maiden Rock Days with Clarice. Steve enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing cribbage, in which he played a good game a week before his death. His family meant the world to him and he cherished the 68 years he had with Clarice. He looked forward to the many trips to the family cabin on Birch Lake in Birchwood, WI where many special memories were had.

Steve is survived by his five sons, Steven (Malinda), James, David (JimMartin), Paul (Bonnie) and Mark (Terri); four grandchildren, Lillian, Anna, Maria and Adam; four great grandchildren, Mckinzley, Ethan, Jackson and Lillian Marie; one sister, Dorothy Knutson along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Clarice on August 2, 2024 and one sister, Mary Wallin.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Justin Boeding officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church youth group or the Minnesota  Elks Youth Camp. Arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing.