Wayne was born on February 5th, 1948 at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, Kansas to Levi Friesen and Linda (Dirks) Friesen. He received his education at Northridge Elementary School, Santa Fe Junior High, and Newton High School. During high school, Wayne participated in FFA and found a love for baseball. After graduating from high school, he worked for Evans Product Company in the warehouse. In October of 1967, he was drafted into the United States Army. Wayne took basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, advanced individual training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He proudly served our country from April 1968 to April 1969 where he liked to say he took a walking tour of Vietnam. After returning home he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Wayne was honorably discharged in October of 1969. Wayne received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation, member of 101st Airborne Division, and reached Sergeant E-5 Rank.
In April of 1970, he met and fell in love with Linda Miller of Durham, Kansas. They married on April 2nd 1971. Wayne farmed for 4 years while he worked the winters at the Tampa Co-op. In 1967 Wayne started full-time for the Hillsboro Co-op where he worked for the next 28 years as the Crop Production Supervisor. Wayne and Linda’s marriage was blessed with 3 children: Rebecca, Carissa, and Justin. In September of 2005 Wayne retired from the Hillsboro Co-op.
During retirement Wayne enjoyed tinkering in the garage, taking care of his yard and garden, doing numerous home improvement projects, and spending time with his family. Wayne and Linda made many great memories taking trips on their motorcycle. Wayne also got to restore his 1979 Malibu that he purchased brand new. He never missed any activities that his 6 grandchildren participated in. A special moment in his life was being baptized with his oldest granddaughter, Emma on September 13th, 2020 by the late Pastor Jeff Lee.
Wayne and Linda enjoyed 52 years of marriage, which will never be enough. Their favorite way to greet each other every morning was “I love you today and I’ll love you tomorrow.” Wayne passed away peacefully in his home on January 15th, 2024 surrounded by his family. Survivors include: Wife Linda Friesen, Daughter Rebecca (Scott) Peterson, Daughter Carissa (Anthony) Thiessen, and Son Justin (Amy) Friesen. Grandchildren include: Emma (Nate), Jacob, Tripp, Brooklyn, Levi, and Noah. And one great-grandson on the way. Sisters Paula Larson and Gwen (Mike) Ceretto. Also many nieces and nephews. Wayne’s final words to his family were “I love you all so much.”
Celebration of Life 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2024 at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Margaret Johnson. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the Church. In lieu of flowers Memorials to U.S.D. 410 Booster Club in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.
Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com.