Wayne Winans

Wayne D. Winans completed his Earthside mission on April 23, 2025, at the age of 89. He passed peacefully at home in Sun Prairie, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Oconto, Wisconsin, Wayne lived a life of service, adventure, and quiet generosity. He served four years in the United States Air Force before continuing his military career in the Air National Guard Civil Service as an aircraft mechanic at Truax Field, where he worked for 30 years.

Wayne was the kind of man who made you feel safe, loved, and accepted the moment you met him. He could talk to anyone. He knew a little about everything and could fix just about anything—always willing to lend a hand without hesitation or expectation. He embodied selflessness in the most genuine way.

He found joy in the simple pleasures: quiet mornings with his coffee and newspaper (always cutting out comics for people when they reminded him of someone or gave him a good laugh), feeding and watching the birds with binoculars in hand, fresh veggies from the garden—one summer he even planted hundreds of tomato seeds and pulled those seedlings out of the garage into the sun every morning and then back in again at night. He loved sharing fishing tips and fishing gear with his grandchildren, and going out for breakfast with loved ones. He had a soft spot for family gatherings, family cottage and cabin trips, a good bus trip, a well-earned nap, and a smooth pour of bourbon. He traveled the world throughout his military career and later explored new places on family vacations, always content to soak in the view and the company.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Terri R. Winans (Roth), and a family that spans generations and geographies:

• Children: Mark Winans (Joan), Michael Winans (Pam), Michele Yamano (Mike Bullard), Philip McKinley (Shari), Tara Disch (Josh), Tonia Lohmiller, and Holly Brown (Bryan Gage)

• Grandchildren: Vannessa Cutchin, Jennifer Brownell, Meghan Preckl (Eric), Mitchell Winans (Heather), Nicholas Winans, Nicole Chatas (Steven), Kerry Yamano, Cody Yamano, Casey Yamano, Karen Yamano (Fabian Guillen), Brielle McKinley, Jack Duarte, Macy Disch, Anthony Lohmiller, Alex Lohmiller, Sky Gage, and Knox Gage

• Great-grandchildren: Theodore Cutchin, Jacqueline Barnes, Jared Barnes, Sebastian Barnes, Zachary Brownell, Samantha Preckl, Alexander Preckl, Kai Chatas, Aria Chatas, Ximena Guillen, and Olivia Guillen

To know Wayne was to be on the receiving end of unwavering love, generosity, acceptance, and quiet strength. We will miss his unmistakable laugh, his nurturing nature, his stories, his wisdom, his kindness, and the way he made everyone feel like family.

He had a signature phrase—“That’ll be $24.95”—to which we always replied, “Put it on my tab.” And now, in his honor, we carry that tab forward—paid in full by a life so generously lived and deeply loved.

Wayne loved to play the lottery, always hoping for that lucky ticket. But the truth is, all of us who knew and loved him already hit the jackpot. Having him in our lives was the greatest win of all.

A celebration of life with military honors will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 1:00 p.m., with an open house to follow until 5:00 p.m. at the family’s home in Sun Prairie. All who knew and loved Wayne are welcome to join us in honoring his incredible life.