Wagner J. Schorr, age 89, died peacefully at his home on March 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1935, Wag’s early life was marked by a unique journey, beginning in Philadelphia and on a Bucks County farm. When Wag was 14 his family relocated to an Arizona ranch, where he and his four brothers embraced the life of cowboys, running cattle and forging a lifetime of memories.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Univ. of Arizona, then served in the Army for two years where he met his wife and life-long partner Annalee. They were married while he attended the Univ. of Colo. School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Nephrology at Univ. of Colo. School of Medicine. In 1967 he spent a year at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle-upon-Tyne U.K. to launch one of the first kidney transplant programs in Europe.
After returning to Denver he combined the private practice of Nephrology and academic pursuits. In 1987 he taught in London at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, before returning to Denver. His contributions at the Univ. of Colo. Medical Center earned him the Florence Rena Sabin Award and the Distinguished Service Award. He was the founder and a board member of Colo. Organ Recovery System (now Donor Alliance) and was given the “Charlie’s Angel” award by the Gates Regenerative Medicine Center for his contributions to stem cell research. He was on the Admissions Committee at the Univ. of Colo. School of Medicine for 20 years and endowed a scholarship fund there. Boards he served on include Colo. Public Radio, Arts Students League, Third Way, Denver Country Club, and Board of Trustees of CU Foundation.
Wag and Annalee’s adventurous travel included two treks in Nepal, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, and floating the Amazon. Art-related travel sought out both contemporary and historic art sites. Wag skied moguls into his 80s and walked the golf course until recently.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Annalee, and by his son Wagner (Beth) Schorr-Ratzlaff III, grandchildren Julia (Michael) Alexander, Karina (McLean) Hyde, Wagner Schorr-Ratzlaff IV, and Lillian Schorr-Ratzlaff; and by daughter Kate (Greg) Winchell and granddaughters Calla Winchell and Savannah Winchell. Brothers Richard and Thomas Schorr survive. Parents Marie and Wagner Schorr and brothers Glenn and John Schorr proceeded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at Denver Botanic Gardens on March 29 at 10:30. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Spark Gallery or to CU Foundation.