Wayne V.

Moehrke

Wayne Moehrke, 88, of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, passed into God's loving arms on Monday October 5th, 2026, at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, in the days preceding his death he was surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Wayne was born on March 26, 1938, and grew up in Lake Mills, where he would make his home and build a lifetime of memories. At just 17 years old, Wayne left the family farm and answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Navy. He proudly served as a Boatswain's Mate from 1955 to 1959. Wayne was a proud member of the Clarence Bean-Warren George Lake Mills American Legion Post 67 in Lake Mills and a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was a member for 57 years.

At a young age, Wayne met the love of his life, Carol. He asked Carol to a movie when she was just 15 years old, and although his Navy service would take him away, the two remained connected through letters. When Wayne returned home, he and Carol became engaged, and were married on February 27, 1960, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Watertown and shared 66 wonderful years of marriage.

Wayne spent 33 years working for United Parcel Service as a semi driver. While Wayne accomplished many things throughout his life, his greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Wayne had a dry sense of humor that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing long after he delivered the punchline. Wayne loved movies, loved to read, putting on his own fireworks show, and sharing his tradition of making Christmas boxes for his family. Wayne had many beloved pets in his life and had a special way with animals; they all loved him.  But perhaps most importantly, Wayne never met a donut he didn't like.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; and their four children: Mark (Terri) Moehrke, Joe (Jackie) Moehrke, Laura (Dave) Bates, and Abby (Brian) Hale. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Daniel (Dawn) Hellenbrand, Sarah Hellenbrand, Alyssa Moehrke, Lauren (Coyt) Mayr, Morgan (Aaron) Adams, Gibson Hale, and Brigitta Hale; and his great-grandchildren, Kiera, Summer, Vincent Hellebrand, and Dillon and Dean Mayr, along with many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory with them.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joyce Thom and his beloved grandson, Joshua. While our hearts are broken by losing Wayne, his family finds comfort in knowing that he was welcomed into Heaven by Joshua. We can picture the two of them together again, with Joshua greeting Grandpa with the best hug, we hope the movies are great and the donuts are plentiful for the two of you.

His journey here is complete, but the love he gave his family, and the traditions and memories he created, will continue on in all of them. Wayne lived his life with the Navy's core Values at the Center of it, one of honor, courage and commitment.

Funeral Services for Wayne

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, located on Pine Street in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, on Sunday October 11th. Please feel free to come in your Packer Attire! Wayne would have loved that.

Visitation: 12:30–2:00 p.m.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m.

Following the service, please join Wayne's family for light bites, cake, and time to gather and share memories as we celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations in Wayne's memory to Rainbow Hospice Care. You can also make a donation through the Rainbow Community Care website

www.claussenfuneralhome.com