fbpx

Wayne Ista

Wayne Ista, age 78, of Baldwin, passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2013 at his home as a result of an apparent heart attack. Wayne was born on January 29, 1935 in Baldwin, Wisconsin; the son of Benjamin and Geraldine (Somsen) Ista. He was raised in the country where he attended HopYard Elementary School prior to graduating from Baldwin High School. As a young man, he worked for Oscar Berkseth tending to his farms. On June 27, 1959, he was united in marriage to Marie Helen Barringer at the Woodside Lutheran Church of rural Baldwin.  To this union, daughters Sandra, Susan, and Sally were born. Sadly, they had an infant daughter die shortly after birth. Wayne began a long and rewarding career at the Baldwin Farmer’s Coop Elevator. He was considered a “Miller” who helped run the mill. Although he thoroughly enjoyed the work of his job, it was visiting with the farmers that was most gratifying. He loved the fellowship of others, whether at work or over the fence with neighbors. He loved to tease and would get his little grin when he was succeeding. He also enjoyed time spent in his vegetable garden as it was meticulous. He took pleasure from snow blowing his walks/driveways, but also for neighbors and was always more than willing to cheer on the Green Bay Packers to victory. He served as the sexton for the Woodside Cemetery in Rush River for countless years.

Wayne will live on in the lives of his wife of 54 years Marie, daughters Sandra (Vernon) Timm of New Richmond, Susan (Donald) Amundson of New Richmond, Sally Ista of Baldwin, grandchildren Samantha, Michael, Randy; step grandchildren Jessica and Jonathan, great step grandchildren Hunter and Abby, sister Marjorie Kunkel of Baldwin, brother Vernon “Bud” Ista of Baldwin, sisters-in-law Betty (Dale) Bryan of Hammond, Barb (Satch) Olson of Hammond, as well as many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Cindy Sue, sister-in-law Jan Ista, brother Raymond (Janelle) Ista, grandson Dillion, step Grandson Vince Timm, parents-in-law George (Helen) Barringer, sister-in-law Maxine Johnson.

Funeral services will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Peace Lutheran Church of Baldwin. Visitation will take place 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, December 13, 2013 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin and one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment will take place at Woodside Cemetery in Rush River Township.  Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.