Wayne Edward Lensert

1942 - 2025

Wayne Edward Lensert

September 18, 1942 - July 3, 2025

Wayne Edward Lensert, 82, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was born on September 18, 1942, in Racine, Wisconsin, and lived a life full of hard work, humor, and love. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Joan Karan Lensert (Rebhahn), who remained faithfully by his side throughout their life together. Wayne will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family, his warm and light-hearted spirit, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Cheryl Tucker of Elkhorn, WI; his children, Kelly Ann Oakes (Lensert) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Roxanne Marie Baldwin (Lensert) of Chandler, AZ, and Chad Edward Lensert and his wife, Deanne Lensert, of Waunakee, WI. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Otto Lensert and Alice Marie Lensert (Burns). Wayne was a natural salesman and began his career with L.L. Freeman Real Estate. He later pursued his passion for entrepreneurship, first running a successful Brownberry Bread route and then founding Quality Drywall, a custom drywall company in Minocqua, Wisconsin, which he operated for over 12 years. In the late 1980s, Wayne returned to Racine and retired from Pioneer Products. A talented drummer, Wayne was a longtime member of 'Rapid Transit,' a popular band that played throughout southern Wisconsin, 'Free Time & Loose Change, "Rainbow Riders" in Minocqua, as well as 'The Flight Brothers" in Racine. His love for music brought joy to many. Wayne was also an avid outdoorsman who deeply enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enthusiastically passed on his appreciation for nature to his children and grandchildren and never needed to be asked twice to 'throw a pole' or watch a fishing show. A dedicated Wisconsin sports fan, Wayne had a special affinity for the Green Bay Packers. He proudly collected Packer memorabilia and maintained an extensive library of past games.

Interment with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.