Wayne E. Clark of rural Crete passed away at Crete Area Medical Center on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Wayne was born August 23,1943, alongside his twin brother Dwayne, to George H. and Marie (Papik) Clark in Crete.  He attended Crete Public Schools and graduated from Crete High School in 1961.

Wayne was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Crete, and a member of Tabor Hall Lodge #74 of Rural Dorchester where he volunteered working alongside his wife and other lodge Members for various events.

In Wayne's youth, he enjoyed his time outside, running around Tuxedo Park with his buddies, setting bank lines along the Big Blue River to catch fish, playing pool, and playing baseball in various leagues.  Wayne was also a pretty good bowler, bowling on several local leagues.

One of Waynes first jobs was at Cink's IGA in Crete, where he took notice to a young lady that would come in to shop with her parents. Wayne took an immediate liking to this young lady, and then after a few chance encounters, he got the courage to ask her to a dance at the Tuxedo Park Roller rink. Then, on May 12, 1962, Wayne and Marilyn were United in Marriage at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete.  Wayne worked for over 40 years at the Crete Mills (Bunge Milling).  Even while working a full-time job at the Crete Mills, Wayne found time for his true passion life, on the farm, raising cattle, baling hay and all the chores that farm life entails.

Did we mention that Wayne enjoyed his Polka music?  That he did, whether listening to tapes, CDs, or radio. Many Sunday mornings had us trying to talk louder than the radio blaring Polka Music on the "All Star Polka Show". In early years, Wayne and Marilyn would travel all over Saline County to Polka dances at Saline Center, Tabor Hall and even Pleasant Hill back in the day.

Wayne also had a bit of the gambling bug, often traveling to Prairie Band in Mayetta, Kansas or the casinos in Council Bluffs.  Wayne did not have the best Poker face, as you could tell from 20 feet away by the excited grin on his face whenever he hit a jackpot on a lucky slot machine.  Wayne also had a love for baseball, making several trips flying with his son Daryl to Chicago to watch the Cubs, or Pittsburgh to watch the Pirates.

Wayne, along with son Dale, could often be spotted at the local Burger King, where they, along with the "Committee" spent many a time catching up with on all the latest news and wild happenings around Crete.

Wayne and Dale loved going to auctions in the area. Wayne loved sitting on the edge of the trailers watching stuff sell, sometimes buying a pile of stuff for a couple bucks.  No matter if he needed it or not, they couldn't pass up a good deal, even if it meant coming with a stock trailer load or two, of other miscellaneous junk.  Speaking of auctions, Wayne was a regular at the Beatrice 77 sale barn, whether he was selling or not, he enjoyed visiting and watching the cattle and hay sales every Monday.

Wayne enjoyed spending time with and was most proud of his Grandchildren, Marissa and Brandon, and with Marilyn. They enjoyed traveling around to most all their activities.

Wayne is preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years Marilyn, Parents: George H. and Marie Clark, Stepmother: Evelyn Clark, Infant daughter: Debbie Marie, Daughter: Diane Hall, Twin brother: Dwayne, brother: Robert Chab, Brother: Harold Dean, Sister-in-law: Ginny Clark, Niece: Susan Clark, Nephews: Joe Chab and Jerry Chab.

He is Survived by his Sons: Dale and Daryl (Scott Lorenz), of Crete, Grandchildren: Marissa Hall and special friend Duncan Brown of Hickman, Brandon and Leeanna Hall of Manhattan, Kansas, Brother: Norm Chab of Greenville, Texas, Sister: Eileen and Dan Oliver of Fort Worth, Texas, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 4-6 PM.

Private Graveside Services.

Memorials are in care of the family for future designation.

Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.