Obituary for Wayne Edward Vaaler

Wayne Edward Vaaler, 83, of La Crosse, WI passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He is now regaling our Lord and Savior with stories of Ole Lundgren, the strongest man alive. He was born August 25th, 1939 in Viroqua, WI to parents Paul and Rhodena (Thompson) Vaaler. He grew up in Cashton, Wisconsin and graduated from Cashton High School. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he met his beloved wife Sara (Roenz); the two married on October 1, 1961.
Wayne was drafted into the United States Army during the early years of the Vietnam War and served honorably in the reserves. He returned to La Crosse in 1967 after a few years moving around the country for his insurance career and military service. Following his departure from the insurance business in the mid-1980’s, he involved himself with several small businesses and side ventures throughout the La Crosse area. Wayne was never one to stand idle and busied himself with numerous activities, including membership in Ducks Unlimited and the La Crosse Jaycees.
Wayne was a steadfast, reassuring presence in the lives of his loved ones; he would go out of his way to be there for those who needed him. His friends and family knew him as an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish, especially when accompanied by his son, grandchildren, or comrades in the “Brotherhood of Friends”. Wayne was a devout Christian who attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse for many years.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Sara; his children, Barbra (Brett) Mighall and Mark Vaaler, both of La Crosse; his brothers, Kent (Lucy) Vaaler and Tom (Cheryl)Vaaler, both of Cashton; his grandchildren, Brittany, Ben, Allie, Sarah, Justin, Paul, and Michael; and many friends and extended family who will miss his presence in their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donnie Vaaler.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at the Cashotn Village Park on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 11:00am until 1:00 pm.
The Sletten-McKee-Hanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.affordablecremationlacrosse.com to share online condolences.