Wayne Frederick Wichelt

Wayne Frederick Wichelt, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024 at Waunakee Valley Senior Living. Wayne was born on March 27, 1933 in Beloit, WI to Wesley and Clara (Lubbert) Wichelt. He was raised by his mom after Wesley died when Wayne was 5. He had a close relationship with his uncle Orville Lubbert, who took Wayne to his first Cubs game at Wrigley Field in 1944, which sparked his lifelong love of the Cubs. After high school, Wayne was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon his return, Wayne met his wife of 41 years on a blind date. Wayne and Beverly (Spahn) Wichelt were married on July 30, 1955 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Sun Prairie. Wayne and Beverly started their life together in Beloit but moved to Sun Prairie in 1960 where they raised their three children: Brian, LuAnn and Kathleen (Kayse). Many will remember Wayne as the manager of Prairie Lanes bowling alley. Later, he was a trucking dispatcher for Pirkle Trucking and Delta Trucking.

Wayne loved his family and his Chicago Cubs. Wayne (a/k/a Tall Timber) loved telling everyone that he was “five foot eighteen.” He enjoyed playing sheepshead and asking Alexa to play Spike Jones songs. He wrote rhyming poems for others throughout his life, which brought smiles and laughs to the recipients. He and Brian enjoyed fantasy baseball together. Wayne always helped LuAnn with her football picks. Thursdays were his favorite day of the week because it was his day with Kayse. They often dined at Gus’s Diner for lunch. Wayne received weekly letters from Mrs. Thering’s class at Saint John School. He enjoyed hearing what they were doing in school.

Wayne will be remembered for his great sense of humor, kindness and humility. He always had a positive outlook, gratitude for the many blessings in his life, and he never complained. 

Wayne is survived by his three children: Brian (Wendy) Wichelt, LuAnn (Jeff) Thering and Kayse (Karl) Grimm as well as his five grandchildren: Jacki, T.J. (Val), Rebecca and Luke Thering and Wyatt Wichelt. Wayne also leaves behind his sweetheart of the last 15 years, Marian Fabian. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly in 1996 and his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff at Waunakee Valley Senior Living for their care during the past year, where Wayne loved to kid around with everyone. Thank you to Father Simon of Saint John the Baptist Church in Waunakee for his visits. Thanks also to Agrace for their help and comfort the last week of Wayne’s life. 

Visitation will be from 10-11:00 AM on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, 221 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM. Full military honors at the church will follow the Mass. The family welcomes you to wear your favorite baseball or Chicago Cubs attire to the church in Wayne’s honor!

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Sacred Hearts Cemetery Fund, 221 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie, WI or St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace

Sun, Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054