Wayne M. Kazda

Wayne M. Kazda, 84, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born October 31, 1938 in Schofield, son of the late John Jr. and Gralda (Dahm) Kazda.

He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1957.  Continuing his education, he attended UWMC, UW Madison, and UW Stevens Point from which he received his diploma in 1963.  His post graduate work was completed at UW Madison and UW Stevens Point.

His teaching career began at Columbus, WI, continued at Oak Creek, after which he settled back in Wausau where he taught at Horace Mann and John Muir Middle Schools.

During his summers he worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at several area pools.  He also worked at two restaurants and two factories.  Wayne loved music thanks to a special teacher, Kathryn Collette.  Over the years he sang at school assemblies, college stage productions and Community Theater.

He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.  His favorite city was New York, which he visited often to see the best Broadway productions.

He loved his extended family and enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible, especially holidays and at his brother’s cottages in the Northwoods.

Gardening was his passion and he believed in the saying, “One is closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”

Most of all he cherished the privilege of knowing and teaching several thousand children across the State of Wisconsin.

Survivors include two brothers, Douglas (Sheryl) Kazda and Robert (Virgine) White; 12 nieces and nephews, Penny, Robin, Cindy, Jay, Scott, Julie, Cory, Jody, John, Steve, Amy and Chris; cousins, and life-long friends, John, Jean, Rollie and Jack.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Gerald, sisters-in-law, Inga, Jeanette and Jean White, nephew, Curt Kazda, and many dear friends and extended family relatives.

Wayne requested a private family graveside service to be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com