Wayne Allen Gurnsey

Wayne Allen Gurnsey, age 77, went peacefully to be with the Lord on January 1, 2026, New Year's Day, surrounded by love. His passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew him and an enduring legacy of kindness, strength, humor, and unwavering love.

Wayne was born on September 26, 1948, to James Gurnsey and Hazel (Colston) Gurnsey and was raised in rural Cass County, Illinois. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, integrity, and community while working alongside his father and grandfather on the family farm. Those early lessons shaped the man Wayne would become: steady, dependable, and deeply good.

On July 2, 1971, Wayne married the love of his life and soulmate, Patricia "Trish" Standish Gurnsey, at St. Basil's Church in Chandlerville, Illinois. Together they shared 54 beautiful years of marriage marked by devotion, laughter, and deep respect. They were inseparable and showed everyone around them what a loving partnership looks like.

Wayne was a devoted husband, a loving father, a protective brother, a cherished father-in-law, and the very best "Papa Wayne" to his grandchildren. He was immensely proud of his family and loved them fiercely.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Gurnsey; his sons, Aaron Wayne Gurnsey and Neil Allen Gurnsey. Neil and his wife, Janelle Gurnsey, share three children, Willamina, Gwyneth, and Haze, lovingly named in honor of Wayne's mother, Hazel. Aaron is the father of Jack and Savannah, whom Wayne loved dearly, and Aaron's longtime partner, Sarah Kink. Through Aaron and Sarah, Wayne was also a loving presence in the lives of Sarah's daughters, Sophie, Olivia, and Molly, all of whom he embraced with warmth and pride.

Wayne is also survived by his sister, Sheila Burton, and her husband, Charlie; their daughter, Melissa Heil, and her husband, John; and their children, Audrey, Trevor, and Thomas.

Wayne also leaves behind Trish's brother and sisters and their loving families as well.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hazel Gurnsey, and by his beloved nephew, Sam, the son of Sheila and the brother of Melissa.

Wayne was a man people trusted. He always seemed to know exactly what to do, offering measured advice and steady guidance. He never took life too seriously, yet he always understood what truly mattered. He was gentle, patient, kind, and quietly funny, someone who made life better simply by being in it. If you knew Wayne, you were better for it.

He was tough as nails, strong as an ox, and a fighter until the very end. Wayne faced his final days with the same quiet strength, resilience, and determination that defined his life, surrounded by love and the people closest to him.

Wayne loved the simple joys of life. He cherished traveling across the United States with Trish, golfing with his sons and his friends, and spending time with his family. He also loved basketball and baseball, showing cattle, and farming, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.

After many years of farming, Wayne began a new chapter working at People's State Bank in Chandlerville. He later completed his career at Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank, where his work ethic and integrity were deeply respected. Wayne was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of Chandlerville Masonic Lodge 724.

Wayne built a legacy in countless ways through his work, his friendships, and most of all through his family. He was loyal, dependable, wise, and loving. Simply put, he was good. They do not make them like Wayne.

We like to say Wayne was so wise he chose to leave us on January 1st, a day when we can always raise a glass in his memory. We hope that everyone who was blessed enough to know him will think of him each New Year's Day and smile.

Wayne Allen Gurnsey was a truly great man and will never be forgotten. He leaves behind an immeasurable hole in our hearts, and life will never be the same without his presence. In his memory, we light a candle, as we have done for all those we have loved and lost too soon.

The family asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers, hug your loved ones a little tighter, and remember Wayne by living as he did: happy, loving, steady, and wise.

A funeral service for Wayne will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, IL. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends the evening prior, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, at Hurley Funeral Home. There will be a Masonic Service at The Funeral Home at 4pm prior to the visitation. Memorial contributions in Wayne's memory can be made to St. Jude’s or The PORTA Foundation.