Wayne R. Wilson, age 77, of Goodland, MN, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, surrounded by his family at home.

Wayne Ray was born September 6, 1948, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Forrest and Doris (Shisler) Wilson. During his childhood, the family lived in International Falls then Hibbing, Minnesota. Wayne attended Hibbing Public Schools and graduated from Hibbing High School with the Class of 1966. He went on to attend Hibbing Community College before entering the military. On March 27, 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army. Wayne served his two-year tour, in Vietnam as a E5 Sergeant with the 4th Infantry Division where he received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service as a mortar crewman in Company C, 1st Battalion of the Division's 12th Infantry. He holds the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was honorably discharged March 26, 1971.

Following his military service Wayne returned home to Hibbing. He would meet his future bride, Diane Kuiawinski, at a wedding dance, and on April 14, 1973, they were united in marriage. Being married for 52 years, Wayne and Diane lived in Hibbing, Pengilly, and Goodland. They moved to their home on Twin Lake in 2007. Wayne had a long career as a heavy equipment operator in the Iron Range mines. He finished his career with Keetac and retired from the mines after 46 years of service.

Wayne enjoyed riding in his side by side and cutting down trees with his son Jeremy and tinkering with his skid steer (his family jokingly referred to as his "love machine"). He also enjoyed spending time with the family at the lake, taking people for pontoon rides, and watching the beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water. In his earlier years, he enjoyed woodworking, making shelves and desks for the kids. He was very well versed in history and would share random facts as they seemed pertinent. He spent time restoring an old WWII BSA motorcycle. He enjoyed old model cars and operating model Lionel and American Flyer trains. He could be found watching or reading Westerns in his spare time. Along with being a devoted husband and father, he was also a hard worker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Linda Andreas; grandson Caden.

Wayne is survived by his wife Diane of Goodland, MN; children Shontel (Luke) Adam of Keewatin, MN, Jeremy (Jessy) Wilson of Hibbing, MN, Tabitha Larcom of Nashwauk, MN, Kari (Matthew) Endres of Goodland, MN; grandchildren Katie, Stella, Jayla, Jayden, Reilly, Adalynn; brother-in-law Mike Andreas, brother Forri (Peggie) Wilson, sister Donna (Bill) Juntunen.

A visitation will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, MN with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 AM. Father Blake Rozier will officiate. The rendering of Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow Mass. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Goodland, MN.