1932 - 2021
1932 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
1932
2021
Wayne Allen Tavs age 89, of Waupun, formerly of Brandon, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at his home with family at his side.
Wayne was born on February 10, 1932, in Fond du Lac, WI a son of Lawrence and Zilda (Boom) Tavs. He graduated in 1949, from Brandon High School. On January 14, 1955, he married Marilyn Kok. She preceded him in death in 2013. In 2015, he married Donna (Cupery) VanderVelde. Wayne served in the United States Army from 1954-1956. He was a member of the Fairwater-Brandon Post 378 American Legion. Wayne served on the Rosendale-Brandon school board for 15 years. The enjoyment of his life has been serving the Lord through music. He sang for 23 years with the Revelations Quartet and recent years with the Friesland Men’s Chorus. After farming for 25 years, he retired after 13 years as a correctional officer at Fox Lake Correctional Institution. He then enjoyed driving bus for 13 years and driving tractor for Mel Gunnink. Wayne was an active member of First Reformed Church in Waupun. He previously was a long time member of Bethel Church in Brandon, serving as an elder and singing in the choir at both churches.
Wayne is survived by his wife Donna of Waupun; four children, Shelly (Les) Hiemstra of Brandon, Pam Greene of Pensacola, Florida, David (Kathy) Tavs of Lamartine and Nancy (John) Dille of Fond du Lac; 16 grandchildren, Deanna (Jack) Theyerl, Shanna (John) Peterson, Shaun (Amanda) Hiemstra, Derek (Ruth) Greene, Dana (Randy) Barr, Drew (Brit) Greene, Jamie (Greg) Dragolovich, Jackie (Bryan) Whitenack, Stephanie Tavs, Jennifer (Alan) Foster, Rebecca (Riley) Dahlke, Brooke (Paul) Atkinson, Brittney (Troy) Schommer, Bryanna (Jake) Duel, Amanda Dille, and Cortney (Jarod) Gumbleton; 33 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marlene (Dick) Holmes and Ardys (Chet) Fenner; brother, Lynn (Fern) Tavs; many brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; further survived by Donna’s three sons, Lyle ( Jane), Lynn (Caroline) and Marty (Nancy).
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Marilyn in 2013; son-in-law, Prestal Greene; sister, Marilyn Coehoorn; brothers -in-law, Howard Redeker, Henry Coehoorn, Preston Koentop and Don Janke.
Visitation for Wayne will be held from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at First Reformed Church, 422 West Franklin Street, Waupun.
A funeral service will be held at 12:30 P.M. at church with Pastor Barry Lang and Pastor John Tilstra officiating. Burial will take place at Brandon Cemetery with military honors provided by Fairwater-Brandon Post 378 honor guard.
The family has designated the Brandon Library Expansion Project , 117 East Main Street, Brandon, WI 53919; St. Agnes Hospice, 239 Trowbridge Drive, Fond du Lac, WI 54937; Gideons International, 3437 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911, for memorial contributions.
Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
April 25, 2021
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Wayne Tavs. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on May 16, 2015.
Julie Miller-North Fond du Lac, WI
April 25, 2021
To the Tavs family- Very sorry for the loss of Wayne. Keeping you in my prayers.
Julene Beer
April 24, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember traveling in the revelations van and having the opportunity to hear Wayne, my dad, Bill and Cal sing and practice. What a blessing he was to many using.
Dennis Schultz
April 23, 2021
I don't remember a time when Wayne wasn't smiling as we gathered for Men's Chorus practice at the Friesland Reformed Church, or for a concert. It was a pleasure getting to know him.
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Larry Beuthin
April 23, 2021
It was an honor to have Wayne as a Member of Mattox-Henslin Post 378 for 20 years. His support helped provide scholarships for area students and sponsorships for Badger Boys and Badger Girls and other veterans programs. It is a greater honor to be part of the Legion Honor Guard honoring Wayne's service to his country. Post Commander, Larry Beuthin
Sylvia Landaal
April 21, 2021
Donna, are thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tammy & Phillip Rayfield
April 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need. Remember all the times you shared and look up for he will be watching over you.
Marilyn Vander Sanden
April 19, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Always remember his awesome voice singing song of praise.
Roger & Peggy Cotterill
April 19, 2021
To all the families... our deepest sympathy to all on the passing of Wayne. He was always so friendly & we enjoyed his singing for many years. MayGod be with all of you & & be your comfort during this sad time.
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