Wayne Moriearty

As the cool, soft rain fell on March 16, 2023, Wayne Moriearty closed his bright blue eyes for the last time in peace. He was 89 years young. Wayne was born in the summer of 1933, on a farm outside of Omro, Wisconsin. His grandfather James, who resided with the family, was instrumental in guiding Wayne through his childhood. He often shared stories of Ireland with him, and taught him several important life skills. In 1952, Wayne graduated from Omro High School, and shortly after was drafted to military service during the Korean War. He was trained to install and repair the field wires, and often boasted that he was the fastest climber up and down the poles! During the war, he was stationed back for a year in Japan where he learned some of the Japanese language in Army base school. After returning from the war, he worked in construction and then at Carnation’s plant in Omro until it’s closure. He became active in the Omro Jaycees. During this time, while out with friends, he met a lovely brown-eyed girl named Irene. They quickly fell in love and married in 1957 at St. Michael’s Church in Berlin, Wisconsin. They were blessed to bring four beautiful children into the world. In 1964, Wayne and his growing family moved from Omro to Berlin and into a vibrant neighborhood on the east side. He enjoyed getting to know the people there and the area. His friendly neighbor, Gary Knoke, who lived across the street, joined him in the endeavor of canoe racing. Free time in the summers were spent either training for, or competing in local races. It was a fun activity, both for them and their “cheering” squads! Wayne was a proud man of faith and contributed his vocal talents to the St. Stanislaus, and then later, All Saints Parish choir. It was soothing to hear his beautiful tenor voice. Wayne’s work at this time was with American Olean laying ceramic tile at primarily public and commercial buildings. Often in social conversations, when people would mention a town or facility, Wayne would comment that he installed the tile there. He was proud of his skilled labor, and would instill in his children the value and importance of hard work and attention to detail. The tile trade took Wayne away from his family though, for long stretches of time, and when the union workers went on strike he decided to leave and find work locally. He found odd jobs working around Berlin, with one being at W C Russell Moccasin Company. Once again, his superb craftsmanship was valued and appreciated. In 1980, he was encouraged to apply for a job with the maintenance department for the Berlin Public School District. He loved that job as the tasks were varied, and he was always learning something new. He stayed working for the schools until his retirement. Irene passed away shortly thereafter, and Wayne kept busy by continuing to mow the school lawns. Wayne went on to become the sexton for the St. Stanislaus Parish Cemetery. He felt close to Irene there, and was proud to take care of people’s final resting spots. Demonstrating his caring nature, he implemented, in coordination with the church and hospital, the “Field of Dreams”. This was an area designated within the cemetery for miscarried babies. Parents of lost babies now had a place to lay their little, loved ones to rest...free of charge. Wayne became lucky in love again, when he developed a friendship with another lovely woman. Her name was Ardene Hadel. At the tender age of 75, Wayne picked up his first golf club and learned to play. (Thanks Gary for the lessons!) He wanted to impress Ardene, as she was an avid golfer. Of course, due to his tenacious spirit and athleticism he mastered the sport and even achieved two holes in one (first in 2011 and then again in 2013). In May of 2009, Wayne and Ardene were wed, surrounded by their overjoyed families. Wayne’s final years were spent with his new love at their lake home; golfing, spending time with family, going for pontoon boat rides, and enjoying some good Manhattans. Wayne lived his life; fully, humbly, bravely, authentically…and in that, he showed us all how it is to be done. Wayne is survived by his wife Ardene, his son Patrick, his daughters Kathleen (Paul) Schlaefer, Peggy (Dan) Reese, Jane (Shawn) Fredrick, bonus daughter Denise (Rich) Klassa, grandchildren Wendy Schlaefer, Megan (Scott) Strahan, Bryan Brisky, Cody and Connor Fredrick, bonus grandchildren Greg and Nicole Klassa, great-grandchildren Autumn Lambert, and Oakleigh and Colt Strahan, brother Neil, brother-in-laws Dan and Jim Armatoski, and sister-in-laws Mary Armatoski, and Rose Moriearty. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Helen, his wife Irene, his daughter-in-law Lisa, and his siblings, Murial (Vern) Larson, Ronald, Barb Blythe, and baby brother Edward; and sister-in-law, Florence (Bob)Parsons. Family and friends may visit with the family and pay their respects to Wayne on Monday, March 27, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. and on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home of Berlin. A rosary will follow the Monday night visitation at 6:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday morning following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Parish of Berlin with Father Anthony Thirumalareddy officiating and Rev. Jerome Maksvytis co-celebrant. Burial with full military honors presented by the Wells-Krause VFW Post #2925 will follow services at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. A lunch and a time for sharing will follow the committal back in the Parish Hall. A special thanks to Dr. Scott Hetzel for his excellent care of Wayne, and the care teams (aka “earthly angels”) at ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin and Eden Vista Ripon. Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality. ~Emily Dickinson

Wayne Moriearty

July 29, 1933 - March 16, 2023