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Wayne Jay Andresen, age 78, of Eau Claire, passed away Wednesday, August 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. His family was by his side.
He was born November 14, 1931 in Racine, WI. He was the son of John H. and Elsie (Funk)
Andresen. Following graduation from Mary D. Bradford Senior High School, Wayne joined the Army National Guard in 1947 and served until 1959 when he left as Sergeant E-6. In 1973, he was accepted into the Air National Guard as a radio operator until his retirement in 1986.
Wayne held several jobs throughout his years. He tested airplane engines for Pratt and Whitney, part owner in Ed & Andy's beer depot, a test driver at American Motors; a cookie salesman; held various positions with International Harvester; and was currently employed by the Eau Claire Sheriff's Department. |
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He married Althea Goldfarb on Nov. 15, 1958 and later divorced. He married Joan Mueller on July 20, 1974 and they were blessed with two children, Christopher J. and Erin Marie. Joan passed away in 1991. He married Jan Donaldson on June 26, 1999.
Wayne's hobbies were many: collecting coins, guns, cameras, accordions and pocket watches. He enjoyed playing his Hammond organ, traveling; polka fests, riding his John Deere tractor and his Harley; and working on his '63 Corvette. He had a strong faith and enjoyed serving at his church. Wayne had a great sense of humor and the "Gift of Gab". He could find or make a deal wherever he went. He loved all children, especially his grandkids.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in honor of Wayne to First Lutheran Church or the American Red Cross.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Jan Andresen; children, Chris Andresen and Erin Andresen; step-daughter, Jessica Johnson; grandkids, Jack Andresen and Maia Johnson; brother-in-law Charles Weiss; and many other relatives and "buddies".
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Joan Andresen; sister, Joyce Weiss, and brother, Bob Andresen.
Funeral Services will be at 11 am on Monday August 30, 2010 at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54703. Pastor Scott Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire immediately following the service. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #53. Visitation will take place at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home on Sunday from 3-7 pm and at the church Monday morning from 10 am until the time of services.
The family would like to thank Dr. Delmastro, the staff at the Cancer Center of Marshfield Clinic, and Sacred Heart Hospital for their care and kindness.
Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com. Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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