Wayne LeRoy Hapke, age 78, of Wittenberg, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday December 13, 2023, at his home. He was born to the late Rudy and Ardelle (Zeinert) Hapke on December 18, 1944, in Birnamwood, Wisconsin. Wayne graduated from Bowler High School in 1963. He served in the United States Army from 1963 until 1966. Wayne married the late Mary Osburn on November 12, 1966. She preceded him in death on February 27, 2022. Wayne was a member of the Old Stockbridge Orthodox Presbyterian Church since 1965. He was an elder and trustee for many years. Wayne loved the Lord. He worked at Morning Glory Farms until he and his wife Mary took over his family farm. Wayne farmed for 20 years and then went back to Morning Glory Farms as a safety coordinator until it shut down. In 1995, he took an assembly job at Timbco Hydraulics and retired in 2009. After Wayne retired he took classes for small engine repair. He enjoyed working on friends and families' lawnmowers. Wayne loved to tinker in his garage and do woodworking. He had just finished building a barn for his great-grandson for Christmas.

Wayne is survived by his children, Wayne "Chip" R. (Rhonda) Hapke, Birnamwood, Peggy (Steve) Hille, of Tigerton; grandchildren, Kacy (Tyler) Weber, Brandon (Keah) Hapke, Courtney (Heith) Harper and Arielle (Joe) McElroy; great-grandchildren, Jameson Arndt, Kamryn McElroy and Fletcher Hapke; siblings, Melodie (Ken) Treptow, of Hickley, IL and Joy (Bruce) Hartleben, of Wittenberg; sisters-in-law, Brenda Hapke, of Shakopee, MN and Joann (Rich) Golata; and brother-in-law, Robert Osburn. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hapke; parents, Rudy and Ardelle Hapke; brother, Neal Hapke; brother and sister-in-law, Lorne and Betty Hapke; and Daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hapke.

A private memorial service for Wayne was held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano Rev. Gordon Oliver was the officiate. Military Honors were conducted by the American Legion Post # 117.