Wayne William Honz, age 83, of Missouri Valley, passed away on Dec. 25, 2024. Wayne was born on Nov. 16, 1941, to Clement and Sedona (Hoffmann) Honz in Avoca. He was raised on a farm with his siblings for the first 10 years of his life and then moved to Omaha, Neb. Wayne graduated from Holy Name High School in Omaha and joined the Army in 1960. He served as an AirFrame Repairman on helicopters in Germany. This experience shaped his sense of duty and patriotism. Wayne was a member of the American Legion and was honored to serve his community. He was a master sheet metal worker and retired with Prawl Engineering. He enjoyed this trade and spent many years perfecting his art and ability to fabricate metal. Wayne was an incredibly dedicated and hardworking man, passionate about working with his hands, and excited for new challenges. Wayne was married to his beloved wife, Betty J. Christiansen on May 16, 1964, at the St. Patrick Church in Neola and they shared 58 years of love, laughter and unwavering support. Their bond was the foundation of a beautiful family, and Wayne took immense pride in being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. A man of strong faith, Wayne's life was defined by his love for family, friends, and the joys of life. His kindness, generosity and devotion left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Wayne lived life to the fullest, finding joy in playing cards, riding motorcycles, attending car shows, dancing, hunting and fishing. One of his favorite places was his shop, where there was always a project—whether bending metal, welding or repairing a small engine. He never stopped moving, starting each day by lacing up his boots, and he kept going nonstop while the rest of us struggled to keep pace. Wayne will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of faith, hard work, love for family and zest for life will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
Wayne is survived by his children, Christine (Bernell) Wood, Karen (Russ) Manternach, Tom (Kristin) Honz, Roger (Shannon Campion) Honz and Kathleen (Mike) Sather; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Rachael, David, Emily, Kassi, Cole, Casey, Jacob, Allie, Jennifer, Kali and Calvin; eight great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Larry Christiansen and Phillip (Nellie) Christiansen; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; siblings, Raymond Honz, Donald (Rita) Honz, Edward (Dorothy) Honz, Doris Jensen, Dennis (Peggy) Honz, Rita (Kenneth) Schneckloth and Sister Agnes (Columbia) Honz, OSB; and his in-laws, Dennis Christiansen, Robert (Betty Jane) Christiansen, William (Cora) Christiansen, Ronald (Paula) Christiansen and Bonnie (Gary) Boughton.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at The St Patrick Catholic Church in Missouri Valley. The presiding clergy were Father Larry Hoffmann, Father Wayne Gubbels, Father Raphael Masabakhwa and Deacon Mike Carney. The reader was Renee Carney and the musician was Lyle Waterhouse. The pallbearers were David Kudlacek, Cole Manternach, Calvin Collins, Jacob Honz, Jim Honz, Doug Legge and Bernell Wood. Military honors were held and Wayne’s final resting place is the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
