Wayne R. Luebke, age 78, a lifelong resident of rural Maribel, entered eternal life on Thursday, September 16, 2021.
Wayne was born on February 20, 1943, son of the late Edgar and Helen (Hameister) Luebke. He was baptized and confirmed at Lark Evangelical United Brethren Church. Wayne grew up on the family farm with his parents, paternal grandparents and two siblings, where he learned his love of farming. He began his formal education at Hickory Grove School, town of Cooperstown and graduated from Denmark High School with the class of 1961. Wayne furthered his education by attending agriculture classes and meeting many young farmers – who became lasting friends. His favorite activity was roller-skating and was blessed with lifelong friends from the rink.
Wayne was united in marriage to Patricia Mrotek in 1975. Their marriage was blessed with two children. Together they owned and operated the family farm “Island Acres”. The couple transitioned to an organic farm in 1982. Wayne was a pioneer during the organic transition. They shipped organic milk to Organic Valley, where he served on the Board of Directors and the DEC-Dairy Executive Committee. Wayne and his family celebrated century farm.
Wayne was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Maribel – having served in the various council positions. He was further involved in Manitowoc County Farm Bureau. Serving at the county fair was a highlight and volunteering in many of the other county fair activities. Wayne held the Board of Directors role for his township for many years. He also served on the board of Directors for Maribel Grain Company and was a current Board Member and President of the Lark Cemetery Association.
Wayne was a former Renk Seed dealer and loved stopping to socialize with his fellow farming friends. As he transitioned to organic, he often enjoyed long talks with Bob, Ron and Dennis, sharing many laughs at the kitchen table. Wayne got his sense of humor from his maternal grandpa, Henry. He loved to laugh and make other people laugh, many one-liners and great come backs.
Wayne is survived by his children: son Michael Luebke, Maribel, daughter Brenda (Brian) Wolff, Green Bay; a special friend: Carolyn Hackman, Newton; his siblings: Marilyn (John) Robley, Reedsville, Al Luebke, Chilton; brothers-in-law: David (Diane) Mrotek, Manitowoc, Charles Mrotek, Manitowoc, many nieces, nephews, other cousins and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife: Patricia (Mrotek) Luebke; his parents: Edgar & Helen (Hameister) Luebke; his paternal grandparents: George & Ida (Pfefferkorn) Luebke; his maternal grandparents: Henry & Clara (Meyer) Hameister; his in-laws: Daniel & Armilla (Wagner) Mrotek; and his sister-in-law: Joanne Mrotek.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Maribel. The Rev. William Harley will officiate with a Christian Burial to immediately follow the service in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home, 1124 Main Street, Kellnersville on Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again on Wednesday at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. John Ev. Lutheran Church or Lutheran High School in Wayne’s name. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Allen & Marilyn would like to deeply thank his children for all the care they gave to their Brother.
