Wayne W. Depner

Wayne William Depner, 76, Black Creek, died peacefully at home on November 10, 2023, after a short illness.  Wayne was born April 22, 1947, to Arthur and Doris (Vandenbush) Depner in Oconto Falls.  He graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1965.  In October 1966, he enlisted with the U.S. Army and spent time in Germany.  He completed his three-year commitment in October 1969 and earned the National Defense Service Medal as a Rifle Sharpshooter.

On February 27, 1971, he married Judy Cherney at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls.  The couple briefly lived in Oconto Falls before moving to the Marinette area where Wayne worked for United Parcel Service. He retired in September 2006 after thirty-six years of service.

Wayne enjoyed people and made many friends everywhere he went.  He enjoyed telling stories and connecting with people.  He had an infectious enthusiasm with everything he did and was always willing to lend a hand.  He enjoyed hunting, woodcarving and building hot rods. After retiring, the couple enjoyed retirement on their farm north of Black Creek.  Wayne considered the farm to be paradise. He enjoyed the wildlife, woods and taking care of the farm.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Depner; his children Micah Depner,  CO; Stacie Depner, CA and Kelly (Scott) Sievert, IA; three grandchildren, Joel, Allison and Brigham; two brothers-in-law, Randy (Carolyn) Cherney, Phelps; Mike Cherney, Black Creek; two sisters-in-law, Pam (Gary) VanLaanen, Green Bay; Judy (Don) Osborne, Oconto Falls; nephews and nieces; Todd Depner and Jesse Henrichs both of Green Bay; Peter Cherney, Pulaski; Tracy Depner, Oconto Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Kenn Depner; in-laws, Peter and Corrine Cherney as well as many aunts and uncles.

Visitation with the urn present will be held 10:00 AM until 12 noon on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls.  Burial, with military honors will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

The Depner family would like to thank Unity Hospice for their compassionate care given to Wayne.