Wayne Harlan Offenhauser

Wayne H. Offenhauser, age 78 of Elysian, was in the arms of Jesus, holding God's hand, and surrounded by loving family members when he passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Mayo Hospital in Mankato. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Smiths Mill, MN. Pastor Keith Bilitz will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Le Center Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN with Military Honors provided.

Wayne was born on March 15, 1938 in Albert Lea to Lawrence and Myrtle (Jenson) Offenhauser. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1956. His military career began in April, 1955 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army reserves. In February, 1959 he was released from the Army and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving on active duty for 8 years. He continued his military service in the reserves for an additional 16 years. Following active military duty, he was employed at 3M Company in Maplewood for 29 years retiring in 1996.

On June 3, 1959 he was united in marriage to Sharon Henry in Spirit Lake, IA. Sharon passed away in 2005. In May of 2008 he was united in marriage to Jane (Reak) Shaver at their home in Elysian. He and Jane did a lot of traveling together. Wayne also loved to dance, play Pfeiffer, pontoon rides, dinner cruises, and most of all spending time with his family and friends. He always had a very good sense of humor, and loved his wife and children very much.
He is a member of Post 108 Le Center Legion, and Smith Mills Trinity Lutheran Church.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Wayne (fianc�e, Cheryle) Offenhauser, Jr. of Lakeville, Serena (Matt) Ruzicka of Cannon Falls, and Steven (Sharon) Offenhauser of Cottage Grove; step-children, Laura (Scot) Gronseth of Spicer, MN, Tricia (Brian) Wolff of Mankato, and Mark (Leah) Shaver of New Ulm; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by Sharon and his parents.

Arrangements are with Le Center Funeral Home in Le Center. 507-357-6116. www.lecenterfuneralhome.com