Wayne Lee Moerer was born June 20, 1936, on the family farm near Johnson, Nebraska to John and Marie (Hoops) Moerer. He was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church near Auburn, Nebraska. God was at the forefront of his entire life. Wayne attended country school near his home through the 8th grade and graduated from Auburn High School.

On April 25, 1957, Wayne was united in marriage to Willistine “Willy” Moerer at St. James (Long Branch) Lutheran Church near Humboldt, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with three children: Tammy, Lee, and Paul.

A farmer all his life, stewardship of the land and the crops he grew on it were all-important to Wayne. He focused on conservation and leaving the land better for future generations. He ran a successful beef and pork operation for several decades.

Wayne was a member of Lutheran Men in Mission (Brotherhood), the Johnson Rural Fire Board, and the NRA. He served many terms on the church council throughout his life. For many years, he faithfully donated blood to the American Red Cross.

Wayne and Willy enjoyed a special marital partnership for 62 years. He willingly helped her with sewing projects, baking, and catering. They loved dancing and playing cards with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, horseback riding, and traveling to rodeos.

Of all his interests, the most important thing to Wayne was spending time with his family, following his grandkids’ activities, and watching the grands and greats grow up.

Following a deterioration in his health, Wayne became a resident of Cedar Creek of High Plains in Lincoln, Nebraska. He passed away there on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the age of 88 years, 7 months, and 16 days. Preceding him in death: his wife Willy, parents John and Marie, brother Vanes, infant sisters Velda May and Jean Marie, brother-in-law Jerry Oestmann, sisters-in-law Marlene Alberts and Dorothea Kuhlmann, and brother-inlaw Arnold Kuhlmann.

Left to mourn Wayne’s passing and remember him with never-ending love are his daughter and son-in-law Tammy Moerer and Brad Chapman of Carefree, AZ; sons and daughters-in-law Lee and Jenny Moerer of Johnson, Paul and Kerri Moerer of Johnson; grandchildren Morgan (Chris) Marshall of Omaha, Melanie (Todd) Munson of Johnson, Seth Moerer of Johnson, Shae Moerer of Johnson; great-grandchildren Landon and Logan Marshall, Brecken and Kasen Munson; brother Gary (Barbara) Moerer of Lincoln; sisters Janet Clark of Grand Junction, CO and Joyce (Dave) Obenschain of Staunton, VA; sisters-in-law Joyce Moerer of Humboldt and Vivian Oestmann of Auburn; brother-in-law Eiber Alberts of Auburn; and many other relatives and friends.

His family now celebrates that he has entered Heaven and he can now dance with Willy again.

Baptism verse: Therefore go and make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19.

Confirmation verse: My son, give me thine heart and let thine eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26.

A funeral service was held Monday, February 10, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran (Hickory Grove) Church near Auburn, officiated by Rev. Paul Lillenas. Eiber Alberts provided prelude, Deanne Gerking and Kim Kruger played accompaniment for congregational hymns. Serving as casket bearers were Seth Moerer, Chris Marshall, Todd Munson, Darren Oestmann, Tim Alberts, and Matt Pella. Flower attendants were granddaughters Morgan Marshall, Melanie Munson, and Shae Moerer. Honorary bearers were Kevin Kuhlmann, Randall Rippe, and Dave Dunekacke. Burial followed in St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Cemetery.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.