Wayne Nystel

Wayne Ivan Nystel age 59 of New Hampton, IA, passed away peacefully on Friday April 29, 2022 at the Iowa City VA Medical Center at the age of 59. Surrounded by family members, he expressed his wishes and with love said his goodbyes to each & everyone.
Friends and family are welcome to celebrate his life on May 4, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Burial to be held at Immanuel Lutheran Crane Creek Cemetery at a later date.
Wayne was born September 18, 1962, at 8pm at St. Josephs Hospital. Born the middle child, and 3rd son, of Martha Bernadette (Wagner) Nystel and Ivan Merlin Nystel. He was baptized at Crane Creek Lutheran Church in Jerico, on October 21, 1962.
Wayne had to become the "man of the house" at the age of 13, when his dad passed away unexpectedly. His older brothers were in the military and his mom had to go to work, which made him responsible for taking care of his 8-year-old twin sisters. It wasn't always easy, but he did the best he could. Wayne later went to work at Tom's Restaurant as a bus boy to help with the family expenses. He also worked for "Pops" Larsen at the Jack n' Jill grocery store throughout his high school years.
Wayne graduated from New Hampton High School in 1981. After graduation, following his big brothers' footsteps, Wayne decided to sign up for the military. He joined the Army in April of 1982. He enjoyed his tour in Germany where he was a SP4 Signal Security Specialist, commonly referred to as the Military Intelligence Unit. Upon returning to the states, he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. Wayne was honorably discharged in March of 1986. While in the Army, Wayne earned the Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Over Seas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge.
Wayne returned to New Hampton and continued, as always to help his family. He took a job at the local Kum & Go convenience store and then went to work for Steffes Construction and later Black Top Service in 2009, when the two companies merged. He worked construction until 2015.
Due to various health issues, Wayne was unable to remain working. However, he continued to be a good friend and family orientated person. He lived a humble life, putting others needs before his own. You could count on him to do anything for anyone that needed help.
Wayne was a true Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan, and of course the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to all kinds of music. He valued spending time with his friends and being the protective but "terrorizing" big brother to his sisters. Wayne had that special little smirk and chuckle that would always seem to make everyone feel better.
Wayne has been through a lot in his life, especially the last 7 years. He was always brave. He is now with friends and family that meant the world to him and will be there waiting for us. Family members remember Wayne as being strong, unselfish, and a "little" stubborn. He loved his family and was the greatest brother and friend to many.
Wayne is survived by his siblings, Irvin Nystel of New Hampton, IA, Glenn (Ellen) Nystel of Manchester, IA, Sara (Dale) James Garner, IA, Sandra (Dan) Brummond of New Hampton, IA ; many nieces & nephews, who he was so proud of ; Leah (Bob Tlaskil) Nystel, Anita (Leroy Medina) Reliford, Jessica Nystel, Jeff Nystel, Mark Nystel, Dylan (Alyssa Brock) James, Payton (McKenzie Marks) James, Samantha (Bob) Mueller, Dalton Brummond. His great nieces, Alexis, Amaya & Alyssa Reliford and Henley & Carson Mueller; god parents Adis and Charlie Lee.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Ivan (1976) and Martha (1999) Nystel, his grandparents and sister-in-law Dorothy (2021), many aunts, uncles, & cousins.