Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1947
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Wayne Edwards Obituary
Wayne Alan Edwards passed away on October 16, 2018 after a nearly 20-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Wayne was 71-years-old - a beloved teacher, husband, father, brother, friend, and grandad.
Wayne met his wife of 44 years on a blind date. He always said that was one of the luckiest days of his life. The other, he said, was when his daughter was born. He was so excited that he nearly backed through the garage door on the way to the delivery room.
At Genoa Middle School, he taught thousands of 7th grade math students. To the end, he couldn't go anywhere without being greeted by a former student as "the teacher who changed my life." Wayne was the kind of teacher who made middle schoolers believe in themselves.
Wayne was a loyal Atlanta Braves fan, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and an avid fisherman (known to some as Walleye Wayne). He made beautiful stained glass for everyone around him, enjoyed poker nights with friends, and never met a chocolate bar he did not like.
On the day his granddaughter was born, Wayne held her in his arms and called her his "favorite girl." Like all of us, she was so very lucky to have known him.
Wayne's memory will be cherished by his wife, Susan; daughter, Erin; daughter-in-law, Liz; granddaughter, Ramona; brothers, John (Wendy) and Dean (Vicki); brother-in-law, Elton (Kathie); and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life will be on November 11, 2018 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at the Ellwood House Museum (Hearthside Room), 509 N. First St., DeKalb, IL.
Memorial contributions only to the Midwest Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association.
Arrangements were completed by the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore. To sign the online guest book or write a special memory, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Edwards
Sponsored by Butala Funeral Home & Crematory - Sycamore.
Kent and Roxanne Bayle
November 10, 2018
Susan, Erin and Family, we hope your many shared adventures through life will sustain you in the transitions ahead. Wayne has provided you and your next generation with a high standard to carry forward in meeting all of life's challenges. Hugs and peace to you and yours.
Rita Emmert
October 26, 2018
When I think of Wayne Edwards, two things come to mind.
#1 Oldies songs. Wayne loved listening to oldies music/songs and enjoyed all the singers and groups. They always put him in a peppy mood.
#2 Lemon Meringue Pie. It was his favorite pie and whenever the opportunity arose, I baked one for dessert when we got together. Wayne was always so appreciative as written in his last e-mail to me, Thanks for the Lemon Meringue Pieand it wasnt even my birthday!
Rita Emmert, Ottawa IL friend, thankful for the Ottawa Newcomers Club for bringing us together with Wayne and Sue.
Diane Smith
October 25, 2018
Susan, I was so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. He is at peace now. May God be with you and your family.
Donald and Sherry Krehl
October 24, 2018
Deepest condolences to Susan and all of Wayne's family. We will miss Wayne on Brant Circle and at our weekly neighborhood get togethers. Good neighbor, good friend.
Wayne & Cindy Shattuck
October 23, 2018
Deepest condolences to you and your family.
Cruising around Belvidere.
Wayne Shattuck
October 23, 2018
Elaine Davis
October 20, 2018
I did not know Wayne well, but by knowing Susan and Erin, I am sure he was a loving, intelligent man with a wonderful sense of humor. His spirit will live on in his family. Wishing you both peace.
Sharon Modglin
October 20, 2018
When I returned to teaching, I started substituting at the Genoa-Kingston Middle School where Mr. Edwards was Principal. He called me many times, and each day he would stop in the classroom to make sure I had everything I needed to make the day go smoothly. I respected him as a true professional and admired him as a kind and gentle man. My prayers are now for his family because Im sure their hearts are heavy. I so enjoyed working with him! May he now Rest In Peace.
Dee Matthews
October 20, 2018
Please except my sincere condolences to your family. May the memories of your past bring peace to you and your family. May you find confort from the encouraging words of Isaiah 61:1,2
Cheryl Quinn
October 19, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. He had been doing so well after the surgeries. He was loved by so many. My daughters had Wayne in middle school. They, and all the kids, had a lot of love and respect for him. He will missed very much.
ROGER & Donna Shattuck
October 19, 2018
You will be missed Wayne. Even when the going was rough, you always had that smile and sense of humor.
Christine Garrett (Kjenner)
October 18, 2018
To the Edwards family I'm truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Edwards was a great person and a great Middle School principal. My prayers to the family.
Nan McCoy
October 18, 2018
I have known Wayne since he married my dear friend Susan who I have known since we were college students. He was most welcoming and helpful to Susan's college friends who meet once a year. He put up with us when we met near DeKalb. I enjoyed his great sense of humor and interest in learning. So glad he got to know his granddaughter Ramona. My husband Jerry and I send our love to Susan.
Linda McMillan
October 18, 2018
I was a cook in the GK cafeteria,and Mr.Edwards loved bumsteads, they were his favorite. Very sweet man.And little did I know I would have Parkinsons one day.Rest in peace Mr.Edwards.
Gary Gathman
October 18, 2018
Wayne was an effective and principled educator. He had a love for his students as individuals. He made every effort to provide them with the best educational experiences possible. Wayne was a thoughtful, caring, and warm person, except that he won far too often at the poker table. He was a wonderful friend of mine. I could not have asked for a more loyal and accepting friend. While he has left a void in my life, he has also left an inspiration for me as I try to emulate the examples of character that he displayed. Wayne made a positive impact on the world and those around him. Wayne, congratulations on a life well lived!
Marlene Knuckey
October 18, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with him.
October 18, 2018
My condolences on your loss ... He was a teacher of mine 20 yrs ago... He was a great teacher and always tried to bring out the best of his students... Prayers to his family and friends
Cindy Busch
October 18, 2018
So sorry Sue and Erin, what a special man.
Julie Sorensen
October 18, 2018
There is no way to say the name, Wayne Edwards, without smiling. Let's face it, Wayne was one of the funniest, quickest wits and most upbeat people I (anyone) ever knew. He was genuine and without pretension. We shared the same birthday and my "birthday buddy" and I had the great good fortune of collaborating both as teachers of middle schoolers and as artists in glass. I am unabashed to say that I loved him and will miss him very, very much.
Jeff and Sue Willey
October 18, 2018
Wayne was a wonderful man, and fabulous neighbor who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to you Sue, Erin and Liz.
Steph Jurs
October 18, 2018
He was my 7th grade teacher...he was a great teacher. May he be lifted into the arms of our Lord.
Sarah Bunnell
October 18, 2018
So sorry for tou families loss. Mr Edwards was a teacher of mine many years ago. He was a great man.
Dave Haskin
October 18, 2018
Dave Haskin
October 18, 2018
Dave Haskin
October 18, 2018
Susan, Erin & Family,
My heart aches with you on the passing of Wayne. I will always have fond memories of your visits "up north" and the many fishing expeditions. I will take credit for Wayne's nickname, "Walleye Wayne" verified in the picture. Wayne would be down at the lake waiting to go fishing before the car even got unpacked and you had better be ready if someone asked if you wanted to go fishing.
I will think of him often when we are out on the lake or in the house by the loon lamp that Wayne made for us.
I was truly blessed to know such a great man!
" If others wonder why I'm missin', Just tell 'em I've gone fishin."
Pattie Marx
October 18, 2018
As a former parent an former member of the Genoa Kingston School Board please accept me deepest sympathy. Wayne was indeed a special teacher an was so thoughtful when his students were having hard times, I am sure your family will miss him.
Tom Weber
October 18, 2018
Goodbye to my good friend and colleague Wayne Edwards. You always had a smile and a kind word for all. You were an excellent teacher and administrator in the Genoa-Kingston School District. You battled Parkinsons harder and better than most people ever could or would. Ill always remember the fun times we had fishing, playing board games and playing cards. I know how much you loved your family and especially your precious granddaughter Ramona. So glad you were able to enjoy her for the past 17 months. You will be missed, my friend.
Elton & Kathie Head
October 18, 2018
A year or so ago, Wayne taught me to play the card game Crazy Eights; not very well, because I almost never won. I always said I lost because
A) he was a lousy teacher
B) he kept changing the rules
C) he was deliberately dropping cards on the floor to diminish his hand
He loved my fake complaints, and we played each other for the championships of DeKalb County, the State of Illinois, the US, and North America.
During Waynes recent stay at Central DuPage, he was 4 and 0 at Crazy Eights. And for the record, some loose cards were found tucked into his chair. Elton (& Kathie, who managed to win)
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Wayne Edwards's name
Memorial Events
for Wayne Edwards
Funeral services provided by:
Butala Funeral Home & Crematory - Sycamore1405 DeKalb Ave, Sycamore, IL 60178
How to support Wayne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Wayne Edwards's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
