Wayne L. Schmalfus

Wayne Leroy Schmalfus, 77, of Wausau, passed away on April 1st, 2021 in comfort and in the prayers of family and friends. 

Wayne was born in Merrill to the late Leroy and Doris (Kemnetz) Schmalfus on May 29th, 1943.

Wayne graduated from Merrill High School in 1961 and then entered the Wisconsin Army National Guard for seven years until 1967.  He also began his professional Police career in 1966 in Wausau and served 28 years until 1993. After retirement Wayne kept active with grandchildren and foster care while also continuing to work other various small jobs.  Wayne married Linda McLellan, daughter of late Sidney McLellan and Gladys (Sill) McLellan on May 28th, 1966 in Hawkins, Wisconsin.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife Linda and his loving family; their children, Lisa (Rick) Pilgrim of Wausau, Cindy (Russ) Penrod of Mosinee and Debra (Timothy) Martin of Wausau; seven grandchildren, Cory, Robert, and Lindsay Pilgrim, Casey (Shelby), Andrew and Braylin Penrod and Zoe Martin; two great-grandchildren, Lexi Pilgrim and Lila Penrod.

Wayne and his family enjoyed camping and boating and traveling around from state to state going on trips. He always loved a good conversation with anyone. He always loved telling a good story, especially when he was pulling your leg. Wayne was always a jokester and he certainly picked a fitting day to go with God passing on April Fools Day. Although he always enjoyed clowning around, Wayne mostly loved spending time with his family. Being with them was always most important. The summer family bar-b-ques were his favorite. Wayne also loved his furry precious friends, his dog Haley May and Holly his cat.

Services will be held at Noon Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at The Shepard’s House Seventh Day Adventist Church, Wausau. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.  A lunch will follow the service at the church.  Social distancing guidelines will be observed as well as facemasks required by all who attend.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family would like to send a special thank you to Laurie Utecht for the prayers she shared with Wayne.