Wayne Harold Lemmens

Wayne Lemmens

May 9, 1950 - April 18, 2026

Wayne Lemmens, 75, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by love. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Cancer Center and Palliative Care Staff at Aspirus, whose kindness and compassion in Wayne's final days meant more than words can say.

Wayne was born May 9, 1950, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Harold and Dorothy Lemmens. He built a life of hard work, deep friendships, and unmistakable style in central Wisconsin.

For many years, Wayne worked as a dispatcher, and he later spent years at Greenheck fan. He took pride in a job well done and in the co-workers he shared his days with.

But anyone who knew Wayne knew that work was only one part of the man. Wayne was truly a beacon of light in a foggy world. Known for his thousands of hats - each one perfectly matched to a wardrobe as colorful as he was - Wayne never shied away from standing out. He didn't have to try. His warmth, his humor, and his unmistakable style made him the person everyone noticed the moment he walked into a room, and the person they remembered long after.

Wayne lived for the simple joys: a round of golf on a good-weather day, a night on the lanes with his league, and time spent with the family and friends he loved. Whatever he was doing, he was happiest when the people he cared about were right there with him.

Above all, Wayne loved his family. He is survived by his three children, Niki (Jeff) Rosenow, Tracy (Jason) Bible, and Chad (Jamie) Lemmens, seven grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Trevahn Springfield, Logan Rosenow, Eliahs Lemmens, Griffin Bible, Emilee Bible, Thomas Lemmens, and Violet Lemmens, his siblings Nancy (Brian Kane), Bonnie (Bob Sabo), Lori (Randy Laabs), David (Tammy) Lemmens, his in-laws Roy Stein, Rosie Stein, and Kathy Stein, many nieces and nephews. In his later years, Wayne also found great happiness alongside his companion, Joan Foster, who shared his love of live shows and was a treasured presence in his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene Lemmens; his father and mother Harold and Dorothy Lemmens; his father and mother in law Bernard and Genevieve Stein; brother in laws Howard Stein, Jerome (Judy) Stein, Ronnie (Mary) Stein, and Roger Stein; and niece Heather Stein.

Wayne had a rare gift for friendship. He spent many happy years on the lanes, bowling in leagues in Green Bay and Central Wisconsin centers alongside teammates and lifelong friends. He loved the golf course just as much, and he cherished the kind of friendships that last a lifetime - especially with Larry Cherney and Denny "Muck" McCallister. Whether he was throwing a strike, lining up a putt, or catching a show with Joan, Wayne lived the way he dressed: with color, joy, and a grin that invited you in.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home in Weston, Wisconsin.

Service will be at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, April 23, with a visitation one hour prior to the service all at the funeral home in Weston.