Wayne Noel Wazlawik, born on December 25, 1942, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Charles and Mildred Wazlawik, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024. Wayne's legacy of love and dedication will be carried on by his devoted wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Wazlawik; his children Wayne A. Wazlawik and his wife Tina of Topeka, Kansas; Marya Welch and her husband James Welch of Liberty, Missouri; and Peter Wazlawik and his wife Jenn Buntin of Milan, Tennessee. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Avery Welch, Ashlyn Welch, Sierra Wazlawik, and Aiden Wazlawik, as well as his siblings Charlene Faymoville and her husband Duane, David Wazlawik and his wife Donna, Jaclyn Wazlawik and her husband Kevin Krafty, and Deborah Williams and her husband Jon, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne's remarkable journey began with his service as a Morse Code Interceptor in the U.S. Army, where he spent over two years stationed overseas and explored Europe following his tour. His commitment to excellence continued as he graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 1970. For more than two decades, Wayne made his mark in the hospitality industry—encompassing airline catering, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals—taking immense pride in his culinary creations. His passion for cooking and hosting was a true joy, instilling in his family a love for the kitchen, and his famous advice remains a treasured memory: "Please, be careful with the way you hold that knife!"

At the age of 51, Wayne embraced a new challenge, earning his master's degree with honors in Industrial Safety Management from The University of Central Missouri. His second career saw him as a respected instructor and safety advocate in the heavy construction industry in Topeka, Kansas.

A devout Christian, Wayne devoted himself to daily prayer and cherished time spent with his family. His vibrant spirit was evident on the dance floor at family gatherings and weddings, where he could always be found celebrating life. Wayne was an avid Cribbage player, teaching the game to many, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. A Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, he was also known for his fondness for a good Scotch, with Glenlivet 12 Year being his favorite.

Wayne's loyalty to his sports teams, the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Cardinals, remained steadfast despite his relocation to the Kansas City area, where he good-naturedly endured taunts about the 1985 World Series. He also traveled to watch them play and created lasting memories, including a recent trip to Busch Stadium.

Wayne will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the love he gave. Heaven has gained a remarkable chef and a beloved soul. We take comfort in the promise of reunion through our faith in God and Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Wayne will be laid to rest in Sauk City, Wisconsin, on Saturday, October 26. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Veterans Assistance League in Cameron, Missouri.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 1240 Nachreiner Ave., Plain with Fr. Michael Resop celebrating.  Visitation will be held at the church, one hour prior to mass.  Interment with Military Honors accorded by the Lachmund-Cramer VFW Post will be held in the St. Aloysius Cemetery, Sauk City.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com