Wayne Schlange

Wayne Eugene Schlange, one of four children of Vern William and Leona Fredericka (Stutheit) Schlange, was born June 12, 1941 at Auburn, Nebraska. He was baptized July 6, 1941 and confirmed April 3, 1955 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. Wayne went to rural school near his home through the 8th grade and graduated from Auburn High School. He then attended Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska.

On December 7, 1963 Wayne was united in marriage to Elaine Bath by Rev. Homer Clements at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn. Their union would be blessed with two children, Kristin and Kurt.

Wayne served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968, receiving his honorable discharge at Ft. George Mead in Maryland and returning to the farm near Auburn.

With the exception of a year at Magnolia Metal in Auburn in 1963, Wayne was a farmer from a young age. After returning from the Army he farmed with his father until Vern’s death in 1978. Elaine then partnered with Wayne in the farm operation into the mid ‘90’s, at which time Kurt began farming with him. In addition to tending to the land, Wayne raised hogs on the farm for over 35 years.

As a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, Wayne was very active in church affairs, serving on church council, in the choir, and on the cemetery board, among other duties. He also belonged to the Quad County Pork Producers, Nemaha County Farm Bureau, and the Auburn American Legion Post #23.

Wayne enjoyed woodworking in his shop, as well as square dancing and travelling with Elaine. He loved his family, and his grandchildren were a special part of his life. He tried not to miss attending activities they were involved in.

On Saturday, April 5, 2014 Wayne was rushed from his home to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. He went to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 72 years, 9 months, and 24 days. His parents and brothers-in-law Jack Betts, Arnold Able, and Ron Bath preceded him in death.

Wayne is survived by his wife Elaine of Auburn; daughter and son-in-law Kristin and Kevin Stuart of Maryville, MO; son and daughter-in-law Kurt and Maria Schlange of Auburn; grandchildren Kory, Kyle, and Keaton Stuart; Anna, Jeremiah, Jonah, and Luke Schlange; sisters Rosalie Betts of Auburn; Mary and husband Larry Boswell of Azle, TX; brother Kenneth Schlange and best friend Pam Conn of Auburn; step-father Raymond Hutton of Humboldt; step-brother Guy and wife Karen Hutton of Nemaha; step-sister Raynell Able of Auburn; brother-in-law Wayne and wife Gladys Bath of Bellevue, WA; sister-in-law Marilyn and husband Richard Calhoon of Beatrice; many other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service will be Wednesday, April 9, 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. Private family burial at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery will precede the service. Visitation will be at the funeral home Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 7:00.