Dr. Wayne Eugene Bicknese

On August 16th, 1934, Wayne Eugene Bicknese was born to John (Jack) and Louise Bicknese, the youngest of four siblings – and 75 first cousins! He lived a happy childhood on a farm outside of Wheatland, Iowa. Even after Wayne moved to town with his family in 8th grade, he remained a farm boy at heart. As a teenager he spent summers working for his oldest sister Ruth and her husband Jake on their acreage. It was during one of these summers that Ruth guided the most important decision of Wayne's life, and led him to Christ.

After high school, Wayne attended Cornell College and considered becoming a science teacher. He took a break from schooling to enlist in the Army, and spent two years in Germany as an airframe mechanic. Upon his honorable discharge in 1956, he turned his sights toward Iowa State University and, on his father's suggestion, a career in veterinary medicine.

During his years at ISU, Wayne was involved with the Farmhouse fraternity and a social group called the Ames Young Adults. He worked hard to win both a DVM degree and Marlene Idso's heart, and by the time he graduated in 1962, he had both.

Wayne and Marlene were married in 1963, and made their first home in Walcott, IA. One year later, they moved to West Union so Wayne could partner with Merrill "Doc" Frevert at the West Union Veterinary Clinic. A few years after Dr. Frevert retired, Dr. John Baldwin joined the practice and it continued to thrive.

Wayne enjoyed his work so much, and shared that joy with his family. He provided his children Aaron and Faith with their very first jobs, helping with chores and filling in at the front desk. They were even allowed to observe surgeries and assist on country calls. These activities may not have inspired them to follow the same career path, but their great respect for their dad and his ability to connect meaningfully with clients, and with creatures great and small, only increased.

In 1974, Wayne made his Scandinavian wife proud by joining the Norwegian men's chorus, the Luren, from Decorah, Iowa. Marlene loved listening to her German husband sing in Norwegian, which he did for over 50 years.

The United Methodist Chancel Choir flourished for decades under Wayne's direction. He also contributed his rich baritone to West Union's Messiah, often as a soloist. He always had a song in his heart, and encouraged the creative pursuits of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved hearing his family make music. His Christmas wish list always included only one item: Singing.

During Wayne's 60+ years in West Union, he took part in other organizations including CBMC (Christian Businessmen's Committee), the Gideons, Lions Club, H&L (History & Literature) Club, American Legion, and several Bible studies and prayer groups. He served on the Board of Directors for Kerndt Brothers (formerly Farmers Savings) Bank for many years. He also performed in drama and music events which included Madrigal Singers and, of course, his wife Marlene's annual King's Kids Dramas. Wayne treasured the relationships he built in northeast Iowa, and was so grateful for the life that he and Marlene had established here.

(Very) soon after his first heart procedure, Wayne took himself on a road trip down to Tuskegee, Alabama. He loved to travel, and he especially loved to drive. Much to their delight, his family was swept up in his epic adventures. They shared trips to many destinations including California, the Grand Canyon, Alaska, and Norway.

Wayne proved time and time again that it's never too late to learn something new. He has passed this passion for learning down to three generations (so far). He obtained his commercial driver's license at age 80, and consistently exceeded his continuing education requirements to maintain his veterinary license into his mid-80s. He had a keen interest in politics, history, and literature, and was an avid reader. Even now, there is a stack of books next to his chair in the living room, waiting to be read.

Although he never formally became a teacher, Wayne's gift for teaching and preaching remained. He frequently filled the pulpit in several churches in the area, both as a Methodist lay speaker and as a Gideon, spreading the Word of God which he held so dear.

In the midst of serious health challenges in his later years, Wayne never once complained. He lived with a heart full of uncommon humility, grace, and gratitude, and was confident that his present and future were secure in the arms of his Savior. He remained selfless and interested in others, even cultivating relationships with hospital staff as long as he was able. Wayne was known to begin prayers with "Thank you Lord for this another day of life," and he exemplified that gratitude up to the very end. He slipped peacefully away to his heavenly home on Tuesday evening, January 13th, 2026.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; parents, Jack and Louise Bicknese; siblings, Ruth Stimson, Ray Bicknese, and Blanche Swift; brothers-in-law, Jake Stimson and Stan Swift; and nieces and nephews, Charles Morrow, Marilyn Baker, Ann Swift, and John Swift.

He is beloved and deeply missed by many, including son, Aaron (Karla) of Hawkeye; daughter, Faith of Tiffin; grandchildren, Joshua (Hannah) of Dubuque and their children William and Isabelle; Emily (Tom Stene) of West Union and their children, Esther, Susanna, Rachel, and Anita; Jeremiah of Ames; and Gloria of Hawkeye.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gideons International – https://gideons.org/ or Back to Jerusalem – https://backtojerusalem.com/

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church, West Union.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at United Methodist Church in West Union. There will be no visitation prior to the funeral service on Saturday, please come in and be seated. All are welcome for lunch afterward in the Fellowship Hall.

Burial will follow at the West Union City Cemetery, West Union.

Burnham –Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is helping the family with the arrangements.