Wayne J. Pestka

Wayne Joseph Pestka, age 85, of Mankato, died Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Wayne was born November 10, 1940, to Joseph and Edna (Kroll) Pestka in Mankato. He was a graduate of St. Clair High School, class of 1958. Following his education, Wayne proudly served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps for six years.

On August 4, 1962, Wayne was united in marriage to Elaine V. Haedt at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Clair. They celebrated their 63-wedding anniversary this summer.

Wayne dedicated his working life to farming for many years until his retirement. He was also an active member of his community, serving as a volunteer for the St. Clair Fire Department for 32 years.

Wayne was a very social man who cherished his daily routines, especially meeting his buddies for coffee to discuss world events, politics, and farming. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing, and while he loved hunting, he was known to do a little more talking about hunting than he did actual hunting. Above all, his greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with them and was a fixture at his grandchildren’s sporting and school events. In more recent years, he loved the energy of his great grandchildren on each visit!

Wayne is survived by his wife, Elaine; two daughters, Ronda (John) Short and LuAnn (Keith) Rachey; four grandchildren, Phylicia (Dave) Binotto, Matt (Taylor) Rachey, Kiersten (Jack) Anderson, and Meagan Rachey; five great-grandchildren, Logan and Emily Binotto, Will and Wyatt Anderson, and Hudson Rachey; two siblings, Glenn (Carole) Pestka and Joreen (Tom) Eiselt; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Kelsey and Kalley Short; and four brothers, Lloyd, Dennis, Joseph, and Lee.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church.

A Family Interment will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, Waconia, MN. Mankato Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Clair Fire Department or St. Clair GIFTS Foundation.