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BORN
1929
DIED
2021
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William Wayman Obituary
Born: October 8, 1929
Died: March 30, 2021
William "Rodger" Wayman
We've all been there. Walking aimlessly around a hardware store, not sure what we want or need for some project or task that had us frustrated. Just hoping that a condescending unhelpful salesperson wasn't about to make things even more difficult. But if you happened to be in DeKalb Illinois at the Wayman's Ace Hardware and Rodger Wayman was on the floor, your day was about to get a whole lot better.
Because you see Rodger went about being a hardware guy a lot like he went about everything else in his busy life. He was kind. He was generous. He was hard-working. He was honest. He went out of his way to be helpful. For his children. For his grandchildren. For the rest of his family and friends. For his customers. And for his country.
Born to Ruth and Merritt Wayman 91 years ago in Cornell, IL he graduated from high school in 1947 and served with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Korean War. He married Mary Snyder in 1954 and went into the hardware business for the next 51 years, all in DeKalb. He died Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings as well as his grandson, Justin Hernandez. He is survived by two of his sisters-in-law Ruth Wayman and Leone Wayman, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was a loving father to Terri Wayman of DeKalb, Sue (Matt) Green of West Chicago IL, Debbie (Ted) Schuerman of St. Louis, MO, Bill Wayman of Round Lake Heights, IL, and Karen (Tracy) Smith of DeKalb. He was devoted to his grandchildren Jeremy (Amy) Hernandez, Jennifer (Steve) Gardner, Megan (Tyler) Church, Matthew Green, Michael Schuerman, Daniel Wayman, Kendall (Justin) Tate, Kayla Baum, Allison Smith, and Mike Smith. And his great-grandchildren Aubrey Gardner, Ava Gardner, Lexie Hernandez, and Imogene Church.
His passion was following the Chicago Cubs, reveling in their 2016 World Championship. He loved the Wisconsin Northwoods and its fishing, spending time there every summer with his extended family. And how he loved the smell of a new car!
The family of Rodger Wayman is planning to have a memorial service at a later date to be announced. They wish gifts and memorials be sent to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cremation was entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Wayman
Sponsored by Finch Funeral Home - DeKalb.
Connie Davis
June 17, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Wayman... My mother and I were just talking about the family and I just happened upon this today. Our deepest condolences from the entire Davis family...
Marilou and Kyle Smith
June 11, 2021
Sending love, thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
JANET Kohn
June 10, 2021
Rodger was such a great guy! You never seemed to catch him without a smile or a helping hand. Condolences to all his family.
Ben Burkett
June 7, 2021
My memories of the Wayman Family start in Cornell as the Waymans were a large family and very prominent in the community I didn´t know Roger then but knew of waymans hardware in Dekalb. It was until I was employed at Manning Ford that I met him. and from time to time he would stop by and compare notes on Cornell. It was a great little farm town inhabited with as many Burketts as Waymans everybody knew everybody I enjoyed visits with Roger
Cheryl Pierson
June 6, 2021
We have so many fond memories of when we were back yard neighbors. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Julie B
June 5, 2021
I remember going with my dad to Wayman´s when it was on Lincoln Hwy in the bldg that became McCabes. Going anywhere with my dad was time well spent. I didn´t know Mr Wayman but my dad did. Sorry to hear of his passing. Thank you for your service. And I´m so glad he saw the Cubs win the WS!
Diane Hammon
June 3, 2021
I remember when I first came to Sycamore we were told the place to go for your hardware store was Wayman's Ace Hardware!! And I remember he was the kindest and most generous man to know--and could fix anything you had a problem with...thank you for sharing Rodger with us--or memories are great!
Debbie Barron
April 10, 2021
Mary & family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Roger. He always had a smile for everyone. Roger was the best boss I have ever had, he made sure housewares & giftware had fresh merchandise on our bi-annual trips to the McCormick Place for these 2 store departments. He knew his stuff. Fond, warm memories of him. Thinking of him brings a smile to my face. Take care.
Larry Kosulic
April 6, 2021
Enjoyed having you as a neighbor, and being a part of the gang on Pleasant St. with your children.
Nancy Roethlisberger
April 6, 2021
Terri, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My heart breaks thinking of what you’re going through. Stay strong my friend.
Beth Osborn (Spohn)
April 6, 2021
I´m sorry for your loss... my thoughts and prayers are with you. Such a kind man!
Susan Golden Feinberg
April 5, 2021
My condolences to the Wayman family. Every day I look around my house and see things that I bought at Wayman´s Ace Hardware...
Tom hughes
April 5, 2021
Debbie and Bill, so very sorry for your loss. Prayers out to your family. God bless
John Fariss
April 5, 2021
I worked with Roger from 65 till about 71, he was a fine man and a pleasure to work with.
Timothy Duez
April 5, 2021
My condolences to the family. It was a pleasure to have known Roger for my years in DeKalb.
Janice Hall
April 5, 2021
Such a beautiful tribute to Uncle Rodge! Even though he had a houseful of his own kids, he always found time for me when I needed him (usually in the dead of winter with a dead battery). Loved him so much and will miss him. Love to all of you...
Judy -Ed Sisler
April 5, 2021
The Ace was my go to place. Roger was always knowledgeable to what I needed for any repair & helped me find it! Hated it when they closed. Sympathy to the family.
Marcia Kinsey
April 5, 2021
I was a volunteer at the hospital and it was always the highlight of my day to greet Rodger and escort him to rehab. I moved 2 years ago and have often thought of Rodger. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Susan Willey
April 5, 2021
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Wayman family. Rodger always had a warm smile and a big hello when he would greet you. Such a kind man lost...
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