The True Story of David Lemanowicz, Jill Wagner’s Husband and Father of Three

Some love stories feel like they came straight out of a movie. The story of David Lemanowicz, the husband of actress Jill Wagner, is one of them. But even before people knew him as “Jill Wagner’s husband,” David already lived a life full of surprises. He was a hockey player, a military officer, and a man who learned how to start over more than once.

Today, many fans know him because of his sweet romance with Jill. But once you look closer, you see that his journey is so much bigger. It includes sports, long-distance travel, second chances, and a deep love for family.

In this article, we will walk through the true story of David Lemanowicz—his early life, his hockey career, his military path, and how he found love again after many years. This is the first half of his story, and it will already show you why his life feels like a real Hallmark movie.

David Lemanowicz Quick Bio

Who Is David Lemanowicz?

When most people first hear the name David Lemanowicz, they think of Jill Wagner. But he is much more than a celebrity spouse. David has lived many lives in one. He has been a pro hockey player, a soldier, a student, a father, a leader, and now a family man living a peaceful farm life.

He is known for his calm nature, strong presence, and steady personality. These qualities helped him in every stage of life—from standing in front of flying pucks on the ice to handling stressful moments in the military.

Even though he stays away from the spotlight, David’s story has become very popular, mainly because of how inspiring it is. He shows that you can change direction, grow, and rebuild your life many times.

David Lemanowicz’s Early Life and Family Roots

David was born on March 8, 1976, in Canada. Many people say Vancouver, some say Edmonton, but the most common source points to Vancouver. His parents were Polish immigrants who came to North America looking for freedom and a better life. They carried the memories of a hard, controlling system back home.

Growing up with parents who survived tough times gave David a strong sense of gratitude. He learned early that freedom is precious and that hard work matters. His parents pushed him to stay grounded, stay humble, and stay thankful.

David was also an only child, so he received a lot of attention and guidance from his parents. That close family environment helped shape the man he would become. Later in life, when he chose to serve in the U.S. military, he said his parents’ past played a big role in that decision.

How David Lemanowicz Started His Hockey Journey

Like many kids in Canada, David fell in love with hockey at a young age. The ice rink felt like a second home to him. He trained hard and learned discipline early, because being a goalie is not easy. You have to stay focused, stay calm, and stay strong, even when the puck is coming right at you.

By the time he was a teenager, people began to notice his talent. He had quick hands, sharp eyes, and a steady mindset. These qualities helped him stand out from other young players.

His hockey journey officially began when he joined junior teams and started competing at higher levels. His dream was simple: to play professionally. And with time, he made that dream come true.

David Lemanowicz’s Hockey Career and Teams He Played For

David’s professional hockey path took off when he was just 19 years old. In 1995, the Florida Panthers selected him in the NHL Entry Draft. Even though he didn’t end up playing in the NHL, getting drafted was a huge moment. It meant his hard work had paid off.

From there, he played for many teams in different leagues. One of his most memorable times was with the Spokane Chiefs. He played with them from 1992 to 1996 and became the first all-star goaltender in the team’s history. Many fans still remember his time there.

Over the years, David played for several other teams, including the Mississippi RiverKings and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. He even coached for a short time. His last season was in 2007–2008. When he finally retired, he said his favorite hockey memory was still his last year in Spokane. It felt like a perfect ending to that chapter of his life.

David Lemanowicz’s College Life and Degrees

While many athletes focus only on sports, David had a different plan. He always believed in education. He wanted a strong future beyond the ice.

He first studied at the University of Toronto, where he earned a degree in International Relations. He also played for the university team during his first two years there. After some time working and playing, he returned to school in Texas.

He enrolled at the University of Texas–Pan American and earned a master’s degree in Global Security. This program was part of the ROTC, which helped prepare him for a future in the U.S. military. He also trained at Fort Lewis, learning leadership skills that he would use later in his Army career.

His double education shows how committed he was to growing not only as an athlete, but also as a thinker, a leader, and a citizen.

Why Jill Wagner’s Husband Joined the U.S. Army

Many people are surprised when they learn that David Lemanowicz went from hockey goalie to U.S. Army officer. But the choice made perfect sense to him.

One reason was simple: he wanted to become a U.S. citizen. Joining the Army Reserve helped him take that step. But the deeper reason came from his heart. David grew up hearing stories about life under a strict government in Poland. His parents’ experiences taught him the value of freedom.

He felt a strong desire to give back to the country that gave his family safety and opportunity. He also dreamed about working in federal agencies like the FBI or DEA. The Army felt like the right path to reach those goals.

So he joined, trained hard, and began a whole new chapter in his life—one that was very different from the hockey world he knew before.

David Lemanowicz’s Military Career and Promotion to Major

David’s military journey officially began in 2010 when he became a Lieutenant. Over the years, he served in different roles, learned new skills, and traveled for his duties. One of the biggest moments in his military career was serving in Afghanistan, where he would later meet Jill Wagner again after 17 years.

He continued to rise in the ranks, working with pride and responsibility. In 2020, David reached a huge milestone—he was promoted from Captain to Major. The ceremony did not happen in a regular military base. Instead, it took place on the rooftop of the U.S. consulate in Canada.

Jill and their daughter Army Gray were there to watch him receive his new rank. Jill even helped pin the new badge on his uniform. It was a proud moment for their whole family, a moment that showed how far he had come.

David Lemanowicz’s First Marriage and His Daughter Lija

Before his love story with Jill Wagner, David Lemanowicz had another chapter in his personal life. While studying in Toronto, he met a woman named Gina. They began dating and eventually got married in 2005.

They moved to Texas and shared a home with their four dogs. In 2010, they welcomed their daughter, Lija. David has always been a devoted father, and he stayed close to Lija even after the marriage ended.

The timeline of their separation is private, but what matters is that David remained committed to being a loving and present dad. His bond with Lija continues to this day, and she later became a caring big sister in his new family.

How David Lemanowicz and Jill Wagner Found Each Other Again

The love story of David Lemanowicz and Jill Wagner truly feels like it came out of a movie. After their young romance ended, they went on with their lives. They built careers, met new people, and lived in different places. But life has a funny way of bringing people back together when the time is right.

Seventeen years after their teenage dates, Jill traveled to Afghanistan as part of a USO Tour to support the troops. David was also there, serving in the military. When he saw her at the event, he wasn’t completely sure at first. The picture for the event didn’t look exactly like her. So he checked online, and once he knew it was really her, he walked up to say hello.

They talked and laughed about the past, but they didn’t start a romance then. They were both with other people at the time. Still, that meeting planted a small seed that would grow later. It showed them that fate had not forgotten their story.

David and Jill Reconnected in Los Angeles

The final reunion happened in 2016. Jill had just ended a relationship and was having dinner with her friends in Los Angeles. David happened to be in the same restaurant, even though he didn’t live there. He was only visiting to see his daughter, Lija.

When Jill walked out, she heard someone call her name. She turned around, and there he was—David Lemanowicz, the same boy she had loved when she was 17. It felt like a moment that was meant to happen. They talked again, but this time, everything clicked in a deeper way.

They started dating soon after that night. Their bond grew fast because they already had a long history. They knew who they were, and they knew what they wanted. Only three months later, they got engaged. In April 2017, they got married and began a new chapter together.

David Lemanowicz and Jill Wagner’s Wedding and Farm Life

Their wedding was warm, beautiful, and full of southern charm. Jill wanted a day that felt simple, sweet, and classic. They held the ceremony at Rose Hill Plantation in North Carolina. Guests enjoyed the open sky, the old mansion, and the quiet countryside.

The men spent time shooting skeet, while the women relaxed with champagne inside the historic house. Everything felt soft, bright, and peaceful—very much like the life the couple wanted to create together. Jill wore a lovely gown by Mark Zunino, and the pictures from the day show so much joy between them.

After getting married, they moved to a farm in Tennessee. This was Jill’s dream—a place full of open space, sunshine, and animals. They rescue local cows and raise their children close to nature. In the evenings, when the day is done, the two of them ride their tractor up a hill with a bottle of wine and watch the sun go down. Their life may be simple, but it is full of love and calm.

David Lemanowicz as a Father of Three Girls

One of the sweetest sides of David Lemanowicz is the way he loves his daughters. His oldest child, Lija, is from his first marriage. She has grown into a caring and bright young girl, and she takes her role as a big sister very seriously. She helps with bottles, diapers, and singing to the babies. Jill often calls her “the best big sister.”

In April 2020, David and Jill welcomed their first daughter together, Army Gray. Her name has a special story. She was conceived on July 4th, so they wanted a patriotic name. Since David served in the Army, the name “Army” felt meaningful. Her middle name, Gray, was chosen by Jill because she thought it sounded strong and beautiful.

Their second daughter, Daisy Roberta, was born in August 2021. Her birth was not easy. Both Jill and baby Daisy faced scary complications. Jill later wrote a public love letter to David, thanking him for being her strength during the hardest hours of their lives. She said he made her feel safe, protected, and loved. It showed how deeply he cares for his family.

What David Lemanowicz Does Today

Today, David enjoys a simple and peaceful life. He is no longer playing hockey, and he is not active in the military. Instead, he spends his time being a full-time dad, a husband, and a farmer.

He also stepped into a new world—television production. He helped produce the hit show Lioness, which stars Jill Wagner. This lets him support Jill’s career while staying close to home with their children.

Most days, you can find him on the farm, fixing things, taking care of animals, or spending time with the girls. He likes the slow, steady rhythm of farm life. It gives him more time to focus on what matters most: his family.

David Lemanowicz Net Worth and Success Today

Even though David prefers a quiet lifestyle, he has built a strong financial foundation over the years. His estimated net worth is around $7–10 million. This comes from his long hockey career, coaching work, military service, and his new work as a producer.

His wife, Jill Wagner, also has a successful career in acting and hosting. Together, they enjoy a stable, happy, and comfortable life. Their money is not what defines them, though. They value peace, love, and time with family more than anything else.

Many people admire David because of his balance—he works hard, stays humble, and always puts family first.

Final Thoughts

The life of David Lemanowicz is inspiring because it shows the power of second chances. He changed careers more than once. He rebuilt his life when he needed to. He stayed brave during hard times. And he opened his heart again to love after many years.

His story is also about strength and devotion. He has served his country, protected his family, and supported his wife through every step of her career. He does it quietly, without seeking attention, and that makes people admire him even more.

And of course, his love story with Jill reminds us that sometimes life brings people back together when we least expect it. Their story shows that real-life love can be even sweeter than the love we see in movies.

(FAQs)

Who was David Lemanowicz’s first wife?

David Lemanowicz’s first wife was a woman named Gina. They met in college, got married in 2005, and had a daughter named Lija. Their marriage ended before David later found love again with Jill Wagner.

How many children does David Lemanowicz have?

David has three daughters. His oldest daughter is Lija, and she is from his first marriage. With Jill Wagner, he has two more daughters, Army Gray and Daisy Roberta.

What jobs has David Lemanowicz done?

David has had more than one big job in his life. He was a professional hockey player for many years. He also became a U.S. Army officer and reached the rank of Major. Today, he also helps with TV production on Jill’s show Lioness.

What is David Lemanowicz’s net worth?

David Lemanowicz’s net worth is about $7–10 million. He earned this money from his hockey career, coaching, military work, and TV projects.

How old is David Lemanowicz, and what is his religion?

David Lemanowicz is 49 years old. He was born on March 8, 1976. He grew up in a Christian family, raised by his Polish immigrant parents.

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