Born to Eternal Life on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Age 92. 

Beloved husband for 63 years of Paula (nee Van Valin).   Dear father of Michael, Steve (Michelle) and Jeff (Colleen).  Loving grandfather of Zachary, Alexander, Andrew, Jacob, Jessica and Katelyn; and great-grandfather to Nash. Further survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Whittow; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Preceded in death by his mother, Emily; his brothers, Robert, George, Lawrence and Donald; and his sisters-in-law, Shirley, Jeanne and Alice. 

Private Services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Peace Lutheran Church in New Berlin appreciated.

Wayne and his brothers grew up on the near northside of Milwaukee and was a 1951 graduate of Washington High School. 

After high school he served in the US Army from 1955-57. When he returned home he began his career at AC Spark Plug in Milwaukee. 1960 saw Wayne winning his first Wisconsin State Assembly seat. 1962 he married the love of his life, Paula and began a family of three boys. 1967 he won his first Wisconsin State Senate Seat and was elected by his peers to the Majority Floor Leader between 1973 and 1976. Wayne returned back to City of Milwaukee Politics in 1976 as the City Treasurer. He proudly served the City he loved for just over 36 years and became the longest reigning City Treasurer in Milwaukee’s history. Wayne retired in November of 2011 with over 50 years of public service. 

Wayne lived by the mantra “Everything has a place and everything in its place” and “If it works don’t fix it”. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family in northern Wisconsin and with his 6 grandchildren. 

A conversation about Wayne would not be complete without mentioning the special bond he had with his mother and four brothers he wore that love and pride as a badge of honor. We can only imagine the reunion. 

His wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchild, extended family, and the City of Milwaukee will miss him.