Wayne Pleis

On June 16th, 2025, Wayne Francis Pleis went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on April 7, 1939 to Otto & Doris Pleis; Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia Pleis; two daughters Catherine (Sean) Gaffney and Annette Pleis; sister, Bev (Bruce) Watros; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne was a high school science teacher and served whoever he could. So, at various times he was a photographer, geologist, electrician, church bus driver, foster and foreign exchange student parent, construction worker, landscaper and gardener, missionary (at home and abroad), chaplain, botanist, computer expert, auto mechanic - the list goes on. He was the one who always gave that little bit extra. Modest, quiet, driven, and resourceful, Wayne will leave a legacy in those he loved, and all he taught and shared with.

Go on a walk in the woods with Wayne, you will come back knowing the genus and species of the flora and fauna. Have him over to your house, and you will likely have that new disposal installed. Take him for a drive and between a conversation on how that Best Buy used to be a Lockheed plant and the plane flying overhead is a 787 (you can tell by the sound), he will also diagnose the mysterious thumping coming from your engine. He recently went for a dental appointment and returned that afternoon with his own tools to fix the dentist's chair. We have no doubt that Saint Peter was delighted to notice that the squeak in the Pearly Gates has somehow been fixed.

In lieu of flowers, consider giving a donation to your local high school's science department or a similar charity in Wayne's name.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held Saturday, July 19th, 11am-1pm, at Christian Heights Church. RSVP or share your stories online here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K9G2tHi69/