Wayne F Dunn

Wayne F Dunn, 84, formerly of Mankato, KS passed away August 13, 2019 at the Republic County Hospital, Belleville, KS.

Wayne was born May 27, 1935 to LaVern and Mary Emily (Ritter) Dunn in Formoso, KS.  He was raised on the family farm with his 2 brothers and graduated High School from Formoso in 1953.  His formal education earned him an Associate degree in Agriculture from Fairbury Jr College; a Bachelors of Science Degree in Agriculture from Fort Hays State University; and later received his Masters in Administration from Emporia State University.  Wayne served in the Kansas Army National Guard.

While attending Fort Hays State University, Wayne was set up on a blind date with Judy DeNayer.  It was love at first sight and the two were married June 1, 1958.  Wayne began his career in 1957 as a 5 ^th grade teacher in Satanta, Kansas and the two moved into their first home.  To this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Tami Denise and Diana Kaye, making their Dunn family complete.

Wayne attended summer school at ESU and obtained his Master’s Degree in Administration which, led him to the Principal’s job in Mankato, KS.  In 1967, Wayne moved his family back to Jewell County and established his home on High Street. Wayne didn’t limit his beloved educational career to Mankato, he also was an administrator in the Clifton/Clyde, North Central, and LaCrosse school systems.

Wayne and Judy also owned the Sleepy Hollow Motel and the Big A Auto Parts Store in Mankato.  While living in Clifton, he and Judy invented a device called “E-Z Lines” which they had patented.  It was a useful tool to help teachers with the drawing of lines on white boards.  He was very proud of his invention and Judy was a very successful promotor.  Together they made a great team.

In retirement, Wayne had many hobbies to choose from!  He loved to fish and knew where every fishing hole was located…. Some he shared and some he kept a secret.  He also loved to work on vehicles.  If asked, he was always eager to help repair an engine and even was known to paint cars during the summer for family and friends. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson.  He and Judy rode many miles across the USA and enjoyed seeing the beautiful world that God had created and meeting new people.  He never strayed far from his farm upbringing.  While living in Clifton, he worked at the Co-op and enjoyed helping local farmers during harvest, if needed.  He blessed those he loved the most, with gifts of items made out of wood.  He enjoyed dabbling with exotic woods and was very proud when he’d find something unusual.  He made combines, clocks, jewelry boxes, bracelets, trucks, and just about anything that you could imagine.  He would look at a picture then, figure out how he could assemble it and eventually, he’d have a masterpiece!  Through his hobbies, he passed on the love he had for working with his hands to his children and grandchildren.  As an educator, if he had a chance to teach, he would.  He most enjoyed using his time whether it be at the water’s edge, casting a line, or sanding a car down preparing to paint, to teach life lessons and his faith in Jesus.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Judy; daughters Tami Klinedinst, Wellington and Diana (Rob) Kasl, Belleville; 8 Grandchildren, Jeremiah (Joo) Webb of Glendale, CA; Dennis (Brandy) Webb, Ogden, KS; Trenton (Blair) Webb of Alton, KS; Breanna (Kyaunn Thompson) Webb of Scandia, KS; Anna (Nick) Taylor of Woodbury, MN; Melissa (Brad) Berry of Atlanta, GA; Fabian (Jenna) Fernandez of Olathe, KS; and Mathias Klinedinst, Wellington, KS; 8 great-grandchildren, Malcom, Jaden, and Aliyah Taylor; Zoey and Chloe Berry; Kayson and Kylan Thompson; and Isabelle Webb; brother Clive (Judith), of Salina, mother-in-law, Martha DeNayer of Hebron, Nebraska, and a host of nieces, nephews, students and friends who will miss him dearly.  Wayne is proceeded in death by his parents; twin siblings, Brad and Theresa; brother, Dennis; and Father-in-law, Lawrence DeNayer.

The family will greet friends on Friday, Aug 23 from 6-8 pm at Melby Mortuary, Mankato.  A Service of Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 24 at 2 pm, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato with Pastor Dannis B R. Beckmann officiating.  Other service participants were - Mrs. Janelle Greene, organist; Mrs. Kathy Beckmann, pianist; Mr. Jerry McNamar, soloist; Mrs. Anna Taylor, obituary; Mrs. Abby Elkins, lector; Mr. Jeremiah Webb, eulogist; and Mr. Fabian Fernandez, guitarist. Honorary casket bearers were - Jeremiah P. webb, Dennis W. Webb, Trenton M Webb, Fabian A. Fernandez, Mathias W. Fernandez, Harlow Vader, Lloyd Johnson, Carl Murray, Lyle Dauner, Ed Wright, Jerry McNamar, Richard "Dick" Burns, John Ross, and Dr. John Bleecker.   Inurnment will be at a later date in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas .  Memorials are suggested and make payable to: Wayne Dunn Memorial, with a memorial to be named at a later date.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato is in charge of arrangements.