Wayne Morris Wallschlaeger

Wayne Morris Wallschlaeger, 83, of Fond du Lac (FDL), Wisconsin, passed peacefully in his sleep at The Manor of Fond du Lac, on Sunday, June 11, 2023, after an 8-month battle with various age-related illnesses.

Born July 28, 1939, and raised in Ripon, Wisconsin, Wayne, a veteran of the WI National Guard was called up to Fort Ord, and then went to Fort Lewis during the Berlin Wall crisis, one week prior to marrying Eileen Wallschlaeger on Oct 7, 1961. They moved to FDL in 1966, where he started his career in public accounting, practicing until his retirement at 76 years of age.

During his career, he became a Certified Public Accountant, and a certified financial planner. Wayne worked for various accounting firms in FDL at the beginning and end of his career, but established and ran his own accounting firm for 24 years, Wallschlaeger Associates, S.C.

Wayne had many pursuits in life. He was an all-round athlete in high school, but also a drummer who formed his own bands. Important band formations in adulthood were “The 3 D’s” (Dick, Darwin, and “Duwayne” or simply “Drummer”), and “The Third Exchange” both of which older folks may remember from performances at many area supper clubs. He played with the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band for 38 years and was a 22-year member of the Dorf Kapelle, a typical European Village Band. He was the Church of Peace UCC Treasurer and an usher for many years, Past President of the Lakeside Evening Kiwanis of FDL, a George F. Hixon Fellow of Kiwanis International, a Lifetime member of the Order of Elks #57 (BPOE), Past Board member and Treasurer of the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, a past United Way board member, Vice-chairman for the FDL Symphonic Band and Advisory Council, and an over 40-year member of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Wayne is survived by Eileen (neé Zamzow) his high school sweetheart, and wife of 62-years, two daughters, Dawn Wallschlaeger (Andrea Bucci), and Lynn Wallschlaeger (companion Dennis Gleesing), one granddaughter Sofia Iliana Bucci, and his pup companion Jaxs. He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Bessie Wallschlaeger (neé Baker) of Ripon, and his parents-in-law, Karl, and Alice Zamzow (neé Searl) of rural Ripon. He is also survived by his cousins Charles Wallschlaeger (Susan) of Green Lake, John Wallschlaeger (CA), Kevin Pagel (Anita) of New Berlin, Brion Pagel (Kathy) of Sun Prairie, Gary Pagel (Janet) (FL), Barbara Pelkofer of West Allis, and Carol Laper (neé Starbird) (Richard) of Markesan. He was also preceded in death by his cousins, Walter Wallschlaeger (Shirley) of Marshfield, Eugene Wallschlaeger of Ripon, Bruce Kastorff (Doris) of FDL, Jean Clar Perrins (neé Kastorff) (FL), Robert Wallschlaeger (Betty) of WA, and Robert Starbird (Kathy) of Waupun.

Wayne was steadfast and faithful to his family, friends, community, and to his love of music. He never wavered in supporting his family’s pursuits and passions at any time of his life. He enjoyed domestic and international travel which often involved his musical passions. He was a wine connoisseur and lover of good food: pleasures he shared with his wife, and close friends for many wonderful years. As one of his long-time dear friends most recently said: “When I think back on all the memories I created with Wayne over the years, I have a big smile on my face.” That is how Wayne would wish to be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in honor of Wayne to the Lakeside Evening Kiwanis Foundation, or to the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band.

Visitation for Wayne will be held from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow, beginning at 12:00 PM with Pastor Stephen O. Stepp officiating. Cremation will follow the services.

The family would like to thank ProMedica for the hospice support during Wayne’s illness.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com