Wayne John Zais

"See you later Firma"

Wayne John Zais, 85, of Chippewa Falls died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at his home while under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.

He was born Sept. 9, 1932, in Chippewa Falls to Helen (Sautner) and John Zais.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, then continued his service in the Army Reserves for four more years.

On February 11, 1956, Wayne married Patricia Vanderwood. Together they had four children.

She preceded him in death in 1994.

Wayne met Firma Malay (nee Leitch) online and exchanged email for a year before ever meeting. They met on Sept. 12, 1998, and were married 16 days later on Sept. 28, in Chippewa Falls.

Wayne worked as a supervisor for Mason Shoe Co. in Chippewa Falls for 43 years until his retirement. He then worked as a security guard at Pactiv in Chippewa Falls. In his leisure, he enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, watching sports, especially boxing and football.

Wayne was a devoted member of Zion United Methodist Church. His strong faith in God was evident in his daily life. At all times, he bore a cross around his neck as a witness to his faith and to encourage others to live a Christian life.

He is survived by his wife, Firma of Chippewa Falls; two daughters, Pamela (Jeff) Breunig of Chippewa Falls, Lisa Ann (Kevin) Engel of Hallie; two sons, Wayne John Zais Jr. of Illinois, Darren Francis (Lorna) Zais of Eau Claire; three stepdaughters, Leona Trask of Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, Jacqueline Lavery of Winnepeg, Manitoba, Penny (Parker) Stevens of Sheet Harbor Passage, Nova Scotia; three stepsons, Timothy Malay of Victoria, British Columbia, Andrew Malay of Dartmouth, Ian Malay of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; siblings, Jack (Connie), Marilyn, Cindy, Teresa, Caroline, Martin, Mike and Bonita; many grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, several stepgrandchildren, and stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Patricia; a sister, Janice McCurdy; a brother, LeeRoy Zais; and sister-in-law, Mary Zais.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Zion United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls, with the Rev. Don Drollinger officiating. Military honors provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will immediately follow the service at the church. Interment will be at a later date at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Boyd.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.

Visit pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.