Wayne W. Moore, 77, passed away Friday, September 6, 2024 at Zumbrota Care Center surrounded by his family.
Wayne Willis was born on September 29, 1946 at St Marys Hospital to Harvard Edwin and Ruth Alvina (Schuchard) Moore. He grew up on the family farm near Viola, MN and later moved with his family to Elgin, MN. He attended grade school in Viola and Elgin. He attended Elgin-Millville High School and graduated in 1964. He worked at Elgin Oil Co. during his high school years.
On October 4, 1964 he married Cheryl Jean Scherger. They had 1 daughter, Tammie Jean. They were later divorced. On August 15, 1972 he married Roberta Ann Frutiger. They had 2 sons, David Wayne and Daniel Edwin. They were later divorced. On October 20, 1978 he married LaVonne “Bonnie” Rosella (Crowson) Risley. They had 1 daughter, Rebecca Susan.
Wayne worked at Norman Hardware in Kenyon in the mid 60’s. He worked for Montgomery Ward for 19 years. He managed the Happy Times Bar in Rochester for 4 years. When Montgomery Ward closed their service department, Wayne decided to go into business for himself and started Wayne Moore’s Appliance Sales & Service, which he owned and operated in Pine Island, MN for 35 years.
Wayne did dirt track racing in 1966-67. His mentor was well known and loved, Mert Williams of Rochester. Wayne loved watching NASCAR racing on TV and taking a great unforgettable trip to Las Vegas with his daughter, Bonnie Jo, to a NASCAR race. An avid Minnesota Vikings fan he loved wearing his Viking gear and watching the game in the comfort of his recliner.
Wayne loved his work repairing appliances. No matter the problem he would get it figured out. When he and Bonnie were riding through much of SE MN he would point to a house or farm and tell her what name brand appliances they owned.
Wayne was a member of the United Methodist Church of Pine Island.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; a grandson; and great grandson.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Bonnie; sons, David (Jessica) and Danny (Cheri); daughters, Tammie (Steve) Long, Bonnie Jo Johnson, Patricia (Jamie) Rabe, Rebecca Thomason, and Sonja Risley; sisters, Dixie (Everet) Schmit and Connie (Denny) McCarty; 25 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
A special mention to niece Shawna Rames for her caring and thoughtful concern and daily contact with Uncle Wayne.
Wayne’s family wants to thank everyone at the Zumbrota Care Center for their wonderful care these last few years.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14 at Pine Island United Methodist Church, 200 N. Main St, Pine Island, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Rev. Tony Fink will be officiating. Lunch will be served after the service. Interment will be 3:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, Eyota, MN.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Wayne may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
I will always remember Uncle Wayne for his love of the races(he brought me along a time or two), his kindness, his humor, and him being locked tight on his chili recipe. Every trip to Rochester meant an overnight stop at Bonnie and Wayne’s house and a huge pot of Uncle Wayne’s chili! I’ve came close but will never be as good as his, probably because it wasn’t just the chili. You will be missed. My condolences to Aunt Bonnie and all the families.
I am so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Prayers to the entire family.
I was a wee thing when I met Wayne, maybe 4 or 5. He was the 1st person I ever met with the same name as my Dad. I was so very confused by it all. He and my dad had the same name but were so very very different, and yet I cared for and trusted them both. So odd for a little girl. The Moore Family was a very BIG and INFLUENCE Part of my life and I am so grateful for all my memories. RIP Wayne….YOU WILL BE MISSED!
I’m sorry for your loss, I had heard what a wonderful man Wayne was from Bonnie.
Sorry for your loss. Wayne was awesome always made me smile very funny and outgoing person .Prayers to Bonnie & Family
Wayne had a heart of gold!! I spent a lot of time with his family in my teen years. They provided a safe haven, a place with acceptance and love that I needed at the time, a place of refuge to escape the abuse at home. They had no idea. I will never forget!! I will see you when I get there Wayne ❤️
My heart goes out to all of you! He was a very kind and gentle man.Remember all the good memories. Keep them in your heart and in your head.He will be deeply missed.!!!!!