Wayne Albert Rebischke

1938 - 2026

Wayne Albert Rebischke, age 87, of Adel, Iowa, passed away on March 8, 2026, at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa.

Wayne was born on July 7, 1938, in Randall, Minnesota, the son of Albert Emil and Thelma Catherine (Christensen) Rebischke. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1956 and later attended Minnesota Metropolitan, where he obtained his associate degree.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years, serving in Germany as an aircraft electrician. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career in law enforcement. In 1966, he was hired by the Minnesota State Patrol and attended the Minnesota Law Enforcement Academy. Wayne served the State of Minnesota as a State Trooper for 32 years before retiring in 1998. After retirement, Wayne was a defensive driving instructor.

On July 31, 1971, Wayne married the love of his life, Karen Hinsch, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service to their community.

Wayne had a very strong faith. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran church as a child and was an active member at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN and Faith Lutheran Church in Adel, IA. He served as an elder at both churches.

Wayne was a member of many organizations, including the American Legion, the Minnesota State Troopers Association, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also served on the Adel Library Board as well as the library board in Buffalo, MN. While living in Buffalo, Wayne briefly volunteered as a firefighter with the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department.

In his younger years, Wayne was very athletic, participating in football, basketball, and track during high school. He also took part in class plays in his junior and senior years. Known for his caring heart and lighthearted personality, Wayne loved telling jokes and bringing smiles to those around him.

Wayne and Karen shared a deep love of travel and adventure. Many summers were spent camping with their daughters while Wayne attended accident reconstruction conferences. Together they visited most of the United States and traveled to Israel, Ecuador, England, France, Amsterdam, Germany, Italy and Greece. They also enjoyed trips to Canada, a memorable Alaskan cruise, but their favorite trip was to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th anniversary with their entire family.

Wayne enjoyed many activities, especially woodcarving, stained glass, reading, and watching westerns. He was an avid Minnesota Gophers football fan and had season tickets for many years. Above all else, Wayne was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Karen Rebischke; his children, Sara (David) Gallegos and Heidi (Jeff) Freidhof; and his grandchildren, Hayden, Brynn, and Blayne Schneider. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lorraine Borgstrom and her husband, Cedric; his brothers, Robert "Bobby" Rebischke and Richard "Dick" Rebischke and Dick's wife, Judy; and his niece, Debi Zierden.

Visitation held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Adel, Iowa. Funeral service held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Adel, with a luncheon following at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Wayne Rebischke to the Adel Public Library or St. Croix Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com