In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
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Wayne was born on March 16, 1927 in Cando, North Dakota to August and Dollie (Leonard) Schwandt. He attended grade school at the Howell Township School. After his schooling, he joined his father, Gust, in the farming business. He married Anna (Hendrickson) Feil on September 10, 1960 and she joined him on the farm with her children where they stayed until well after their retirement.
He held dearly in his heart, his wife, family, cars, tractors, his farm and, of course, ice cream and chocolate. Wayne and Ann enjoyed traveling across the country on various summer vacations visiting family. After retirement, they would spend their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona enjoying time with friends.
He was very passionate about farming and caring for the land. Even after retirement, he spent many hours riding the lawn mower. When he wasn't farming, he was involved in the Rock Lake community by donating time for various committees and boards, including the Methodist Church, HUD Housing in Rock Lake, Rock Lake Community Cafe and others. Additionally, he was a dedicated and dependable bus driver for the Rock Lake School and would visit with any of the students on his route when they would return to the area.
He wasn't much of a sportsman but preferred to listen to and enjoy music such as Lawrence Welk. It was what initiated his relationship with Ann. They met at a dance in Perth and married shortly after meeting. Over the years, he kept dancing at weddings and parties, even though he was wheelchair bound, it was a tradition that he would join his children and grandchildren when the “YMCA” was played.
Other interests of Wayne's were spending time with all the grandchildren making sure they were safe and entertained on the farm. He was a simple man and never asked for much but if he would have been able to remain on the farm that would have been his wish.
He is survived by his wife, Anna, his children, David (Terri) Feil, Rock Lake and Houston, TX, Barry (Colleen) Feil, Garland, TX, Carol (Rodney) Parvey, Sarles, Dollie (Robert) Becklund, Bad Medicine Lake, MN, Janet (Douglas) Carnahan, Rock Lake, Diane K. Schwandt (Teddy Cahill), Rolla; and his grandchildren, Traci Feil, Jessica Feil and David, Jr. (Jennifer) Feil, Ryan (Heather) Feil, Christopher and William Feil, Natasha Parvey (Art Leskowich), Melanie Parvey (Jim Schnack) and Dr. Christel Parvey (Wade Price), Carey (Rod) Hoerer, Nicholas Becklund, Aaron Becklund, Alexander (Lindsey) Becklund, Jamie (Jesse) Bucholz, Micheal Carnahan, Shawn (Janelle) Carnahan, Zachary (Kiley) Cahill, Dexter (Jacie) Cahill, Jacob Cahill, 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Berna (Edwin) Juntunen, Donna (Robert) Shaffer, Betty (Milton) Kopenen and brothers, Roy and an infant.