Wayne H. Smith, 96, of Merrill, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at Aspirus Merrill Hospital.
Wayne was born November 29, 1927, in Atlantic, Iowa, son of Roy and Miriam (Butler) Smith. Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge and upon his return to the states, Wayne attended Broadcasting School in California. It was during his time in California that he met the former Rosemary Reiland. Wayne and Rosemary were married on October 10, 1953, in California. Throughout their marriage, Wayne and Rosemary lived in several different states including California, Tennessee, Louisiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Wayne worked in radio broadcasting for over 40 years. He worked in sales, and as an engineer and a general manager. In 1990, Wayne and Rosemary moved back to the Wausau/Merrill area to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Andy. Wayne worked at WJMT Radio and also started the Z104 classic rock radio station in this area.
Wayne was involved with many civic organizations including, the Hospital Auxiliary, St. Vincent DePaul, Noon Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, and Merrill Chamber of Commerce where he served as Past President. He was an active member of the community and made friends everywhere he went. Wayne enjoyed public speaking and was a Lector at church Masses. He enjoyed reading, working on difficult projects, swimming, and running. Wayne will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his patience.
Wayne is survived by daughter, Lisa (Andrew) Carlson of Merrill; son, Michael H. (Carol) Smith of LaQuinta, California; four step great-grandchildren, Andy, Breana, Ricky, and Michael; sister, Marilyn Seuntjens of Mapleton, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Steve and Marsha Skogen and their family. Also surviving is Alex Martinez, the foreign exchange student Wayne and Rosemary hosted from 1974 to 1976 who became an incredibly special part of their family. Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary Smith; parents, Roy and Miriam Smith; two step granddaughters, Kerri Payne and Kristy Smith; brother and sister-in-law, Claire (Catherine) Smith; nieces Monica Smith Brehmer; and nephew, Thomas Smith.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. Chaplain John Bourke will preside. The inurnment will take place at the St. Francis Veteran’s Memorial. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Holy Cross Chapel. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com
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