Wayne R. Wesenberg, age 77, of Wiscosnin Rapids, WI died Sunday, December 23, 2018 at Edenbrook of Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Funeral Services are 11:00 AM Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Town of Sigel, WI. Father Nathan will officiate. Visitation will be at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI from 4:00-7:00 PM Friday and Saturday at the Church from 10:00-11:00 AM. There will be a Parish Rosary at 6:30 PM Friday at the funeral home. Burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Wayne was born May 26, 1941 in the Town of Granton, WI to Robert and Aileen (Neinas) Wesenberg. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. Wayne married Joanie M. Cepress on July 29, 1961 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. She preceded him in death on April 14, 2006.

Wayne was employed at the Paperboard Division of Consolidated Papers Inc. from 1963-1968, then moved to the Kraft Division where he retired in July of 2007 as a master journeyman in instrumentation.  Wayne was involved in the Union IBEW #1147 where he served as treasurer and was a member of the Central Labor Council, where he served as secretary, treasurer, vice-president and president. He also was involved in the Riverview Hospital Association, the United Way, was a union steward, helped with political affairs and was involved with the share and care program. Wayne was a proud recipient of the AFL-CIO Ralph A. Jirikowic Award for his dedication to the labor movement and his community.

Wayne served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed tractors.

Wayne is survived by two children, Teresa (Thomas) Plante and Darrell (Carol) Wesenberg, both of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; one grandson, Wayne (Kim) Plante of Kansas City, MO; great granddaughter, Avery; two sisters, Barbara (James) Anderson and Linda Meddaugh, both of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; one brother, Larry Wesenberg of Rudolph, WI and brother-in-law, Donald (Rita) Cepress of Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joanie and sister-in-law, Barbara “Jeanie” Wesenberg.

The Wesenberg family would like to thank the Renaissance Assisted Living, the Atrium Post Acute Care, the Marshfield Cardiology and Urology Departments and the Wisconsin Rapids Dialysis Department for the loving, compassionate care given to Wayne.