Wayne A. Obenauer

Wayne Allen Obenauer, 81 of Long Prairie passed away October 15, 2025 at the Long Prairie Care Centre. Per his request, there will be no memorial service. The Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes, Stein Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Wayne was born on December 30, 1943 in Eureka, SD to Theodore and Leah (Bertsch) Obenauer. He attended Grade School at Hecla, SD and Graduated from Central High School in Aberdeen, SD in 1961. He went on to earn an Associate of Graphic Arts degree from ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND in 1963.
He returned to Aberdeen and worked for five years at Dakota Farmer/ North Plains Press. During that time, he met and married Walene "Wallie" Reber. In 1968, the couple moved to Long Prairie where Wayne began what became a 35-year career with Hart Press/Banta Publishing Group. He was the Supervisor in the Pre-Press Department for 19 years prior to his retirement in 2002.
His greatest interests were his wife and his dog. He liked to read and painted ceramics. He could spend hours just putzing around the house and in the yard. He also enjoyed driving around Minnesota. He found pleasure in shooting his handguns and always looked forward to deer hunting season. He was always up for a poker game. More than anything though, Wayne really enjoyed visiting with former co-workers and people in general.
Wayne is survived by his spouse, Wallie; two brothers, Alvin (Leta) of Whitewater WI and Leo (Margaret) of Alexandria; sister-in-law Rochelle Knoll of Boise, ID; brothers-in-law, Rick (Lynn) Reber of Aberdeen, SD and Randy Reber of Yankton, SE.
Please send memorials to the Lakes Area Humane Society, 3811 Nevada St. SW, Alexandria, MN 56308