He was born on August 19, 1944, grew up on a farm in Cold Spring then moved to Milton at the age of 16. He started driving milk truck at the age of 18, met and married the farmer’s daughter, and love of his life, Nancy. On September 11, 1965, they were united in marriage and celebrated 53 years together. They moved to Whitewater after getting married and started their life as farmers. In 1975, they moved the family to New Glarus where he continued driving truck and farming until Parkinson’s Disease forced him into retirement.
In retirement, Wayne found a new meaning and purpose through volunteering at the New Glarus Home, New Glarus Grade School, and delivering Meals On Wheels. He also started his much-loved collection of red tractors which he was very proud of and showed to anyone who visited. Wayne loved watching old westerns, listening to his old cassette tapes of classic country, gospel, and polka, and never missing his Friday night fish fry. Wayne was a gentle caring man with a quiet presence. He had a deep strong faith and love of God as a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. His love of family was evident throughout his life. Wayne loved watching his kids and grandkids in sporting or school events, when the family gathered together, and when the grandkids would visit.
Though he struggled with Parkinson’s Disease since 2000, his vision was to raise money for a cure and raise awareness. He spent 5 years spearheading “All Shook Up for Parkinson’s”, a fundraiser held in New Glarus with proceeds going to the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association. During this time, $55,000 was raised and donated through hard work and dedication to a cause that was dear to his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Lillian, brother Elson, and sister Rhonda. He leaves behind a loving family including his wife Nancy, 4 children and 9 grandchildren: Lynnette (Bill) Gmur (Jakob and Josef), Whitewater, WI, Duane (Kelly) Kreklow (Tyler, Breanne, and Jaden) New Glarus, WI, Tracie (Mark) Bateman (Mason and Acacia) Holmen, WI, Michelle (Rob) Mohr (Tanner and Beckett), Green Bay, WI. He also leaves behind two sisters La Dana (Bruce) Frank, Milton, WI and Claudette Kreklow, Milton, WI, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other family, and many lifelong friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2018, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1603 16th Ave., Monroe, WI with Pastor Nathan Strutz officiating. Burial will be in the Swiss Church Cemetery, New Glarus.
Relatives and friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 6th Ave., New Glarus, WI.
The family would like to thank the staff of UW Palliative Care for their compassionate care of Wayne. Also recognizing the special people in Wayne’s life who helped in times of need including Denise Swanson, Rudi Feller, John and Holly Eglsaer, Ron White, Gregg Smith, and Ron and Jane Pierce.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association.
An online memorial with guestbook is available at www.bealfuneralhomes.com
