Wayne W. Wormer

In Loving Memory

Wayne Wormer passed away on August 30, 2026, at the Mayo Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota, following complications from pneumonia. When the decision was made to provide end-of-life care, Wayne was surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne’s life will be honored with a private gathering at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan, Minnesota, with Pastor Jeremy Glowicki of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church presiding. Details will be planned with just the immediate family. Private interment will take place at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan, where Wayne will be laid to rest beside his parents and two brothers.

Wayne was born on February 22, 1962, at New Prague Hospital, the cherished son of Waldemar and Dorothy Wormer. He was baptized on April 1, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake. Because faith was important to his family, Wayne also attended Sunday School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jordan when he was younger.

As the sixth of seven children, Wayne grew up on the family farm near Lydia, Minnesota. Farm life helped him build close family bonds and gave him a lasting appreciation for the natural world. He enjoyed exploring outdoors, riding tractors, and spending time with animals, while also helping with chores, tending crops, and caring for livestock.

Wayne’s early education began in a day program newly created by area ARC (Association for Retarded Children) families in the 1960s. The program served Wayne and other students with special needs in different locations, including St. Joe, Belle Plaine, and Lydia. He later received services through the Minnesota Valley Special Education Cooperative.

During these years, Wayne and his family formed lasting friendships with other ARC families and program staff. Recreational activities through the Scott-Lites support group, along with occasional participation in Special Olympics, brought Wayne social connections, encouragement, and joy.

In adulthood, Wayne received residential services from REM Heartland and work opportunities through MRCI, both in Mankato. Most recently, he lived in a comfortable group home with two housemates and caring staff who became like an additional family to him.

Wayne found joy in simple, familiar moments and especially loved being outdoors. He was always eager to visit nearby parks and lakes, where he watched rabbits, squirrels, birds, and Canada geese. He could spend hours playing with sand on the beach. Because helicopters and airplanes fascinated him, air shows or stopping near small airports were always a special treat. His favorite outings included bowling, going to the movies, and enjoying popcorn with his “pop.” Wayne had an uncanny ability to spot a nearby McDonald’s whenever he was hoping for ice cream. Singing along to his favorites such as “Jesus Loves Me,” “Here Comes Santa,” and “Happy Birthday” brought a smile to his face. Wayne felt like he was “one of the guys” when he watched football on TV with them. At family gatherings, our brother was entertained with card games, picture books, coloring, puzzles, and simply seeing everyone.

Although Wayne’s communication skills were limited, he used one or two words to clearly express what he wanted. When it was time to say farewell, his signature phrase was, “Bye, See Ya!”—a cheerful reminder that he looked forward to the next gathering.

Wayne will be forever missed by his sisters; Char (Tom) Voigt of Jordan, Debbie Wormer of Redwood Falls, and Connie (Dave) Dillon of Prior Lake, and his brother, Daniel (Linda) Wormer of New Prague, Minnesota. His memory will also be in the hearts of several nieces and nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Waldemar and Dorothy Wormer; and two brothers, Douglas Wormer and David “Barney” Wormer. His family takes comfort in knowing he will be reunited with these loved ones in Heaven.

Wayne’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the palliative care team at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, and Pastor Glowicki of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jordan. Special gratitude is also given to the caring staff of Wayne’s REM group home in Mankato.The family found great peace of mind knowing Wayne was treated with

patience, kindness, and dignity. Thank you for remembering Wayne and supporting his family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wayne’s name may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jordan, Special Olympics Minnesota, or WELS Synod’s “Jesus Cares Ministries.”