Wayne Arthur Devine, 94, of Grand Island, formerly of Gothenburg, died Thursday, March 23, 2017.

Service and celebration of Wayne’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. The Rev. Luke Biggs will officiate. Burial will be at 3 p.m. in Farnam Cemetery, with the Rev. Larry Viter officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island.

Wayne was born Jan. 18, 1923, in Farnam, the son of Albert and Rebecca (Hilton) Devine. He grew up on the family farm at Farnam until the eighth grade, before moving to Cozad and graduating from Cozad High School, Class of 1943.

Wayne was united in marriage to Norma Slack in Cozad on Oct. 2, 1946. A wonderful, caring husband and father, Wayne and Norma made every decision together. Following their marriage, the couple made their home and farmed north of Gothenburg. In 1962, they moved to Gothenburg where Wayne managed Slack Nursing Home.

In 1969 he purchased Phillips 66 in Gothenburg and in 1973 he purchased the Phillips 66 in Cozad. He then went back to doing various odd jobs at the nursing home. Never one to stay idle, Wayne officially retired at the age of 63, and went to work for Blasé Memorial Chapel. The couple relocated to Grand Island in 1994 and Wayne worked part time at Skagway South, where he enjoyed morning coffee sessions with the other help.

An avid baseball fan, Wayne’s favorites were the Kansas City Royals and the Huskers. He played softball as one of the Gothenburg Sodbusters back in the day. Music was also a big part of his life. As a member of the Hay Valley Boys, he only set his guitar down long enough to take a turn around the floor with Norma. Wayne enjoyed people and loved to visit. A member of Peace Lutheran Church, he was disappointed when his health prevented him from attending. His family will forever miss his wry humor and corresponding grin.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Norma; a son and daughter-in-law, Lennie and Barbara Devine of Grand Island; five grandchildren, Amy Devine, Sara (Nick) Kutovy, Aaron Devine, Derrick (Gina) Devine and Rebecca Penner; stepgrandchildren, Mickey Dennison and Elizabeth Dennison; and three great-grandchildren, Jake, Alexis and Tony.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Diane Penner; and brothers, Dale, Morris and Gilbert.

Memorials are suggested in Wayne’s memory to Lebensraum Assisted Living Center.

The Grand Island Independent Saturday, March 25, 2017