Dwayne H. Senn

Reverend Dr. Dwayne Harold Senn of Wautoma, Wisconsin, took his Savior’s hand on Friday, March 6, 2026, following a sudden cardiac arrest while recovering from recent treatment for stomach cancer.

He was born on July 19, 1948, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Harold Alton Senn and Elayne Dorothy (Bender) Senn.

On July 30, 1971, he married Ruth Bear of Plano, Iowa, whom he met while attending Maranatha Baptist Bible College. They were married at First Baptist Church in Seymour, Iowa. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, and were blessed with four children: Christian, Jennifer, Jeremy, and Jessica. Dwayne cherished his role as “Papa” to his six grandchildren.

Dwayne graduated from Watertown High School with the Class of 1966. He continued his education at Maranatha Baptist Bible College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He later received a second bachelor’s degree in pre-law from Minnesota State University at Mankato. He went on to earn a master’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and ultimately earned his doctorate from Trinity Theological Seminary. He was a lifetime member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and also served as a certified Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder counselor.

Ordained to pastoral ministry by the Christian and Missionary Alliance, Dwayne faithfully served congregations across Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Montana. In addition to his pastoral work, he devoted many years to education as a high school social studies teacher and later as an administrator and superintendent.

Known to many as “Dewey,” he enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies throughout his life, including hunting, fishing, camping, boating, coin collecting, art collecting, planting trees, and cutting wood. He was a devoted fan of Wisconsin sports and proudly supported the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers, as well as his alma mater, the Michigan State Spartans.

Above all, Dwayne was a man of deep faith who dedicated his life to ministry, education, and caring for others. His kindness, wisdom, and steady devotion to God and family touched many lives. Among his favorite passages of Scripture were Romans 8 and Psalm 23, which reflect the faith and hope that guided his life.

He is survived by Ruth Elaine Senn of Waupaca, Wisconsin; and their children: Christian Andrew (Janene) Senn of Bath, North Carolina, and their daughters, Teryn Elizabeth (Edwin) Senn and Signe Elise Senn; Jennifer Dawn Senn of Purcell, Oklahoma; Jeremy Joshua (Willa) Senn of Mound, Minnesota, and their children, Niles David Senn and Claire Ann Senn; and Jessica Nicole (Chidi) Anyanwu of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and their children, Evangeline Kamsi Janae Anyanwu and Cohen Elijah Tochi Anyanwu.

He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Daniel Alan (Caroline) Senn of Watertown, Wisconsin; his sister, Carol Louise (John) Ruffin of Watertown, Wisconsin; foster brother Michael Roland (Mary) Wood of Santa Ana, California; and foster sister Shaaron Lynne Wood of Watertown, Wisconsin.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elayne Senn, and his sisters, Gloria Jean Senn and Margaret Alice Senn.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Waushara Community Church, N2126 22nd Avenue, Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Reverends Alan Spitler and Robert Timmerman. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service. Arrangements are being handled by Stahl Funeral Home of Wautoma, Wisconsin.

Burial at Mound Prairie Cemetery in Houston County, Minnesota, is expected to take place on the morning of Monday, March 16, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts in Dwayne’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse or the Arbor Day Foundation, two organizations that reflect his heart for Christian service and care for God’s creation. Those who wish may also contribute toward funeral expenses and the fellowship luncheon following the service, a gathering to celebrate Dwayne’s life and allow friends and family to share memories together. Contributions may be made through Stahl Funeral Home or directly to the family.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23