Wayne W. "Chef Wayne" Wickers

Wayne W Wickers, "Chef Wayne" 85, of Summerfield, FL passed away on January 8, 2026, after a short illness. Wayne was born in Queens, NY on October 28, 1940, to Woodrow and Helen (Diffenbach) Wickers. He was a proud NYC police officer and a NYC firefighter serving the city for a combined 24 years.

After retirement from public service Wayne opened a German steakhouse on Long Island, NY and then a hotdog stand in Columbia, SC. 'Chef Wayne's NYC Hotdog Stand' always had long lines and was sought after from locals and visitors alike. Wayne loved cooking. He often said, "Let me cook. That is how I show love." In 2005 Wayne moved to The Villages, FL. He was an active member of the German Club and continued to share his love of cooking by catering many events with his traditional German menu. All enjoyed reading his food column with his signature red chef's hat, in The Villages Magazine.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents Woodrow and Helen (Dieffenbach) Wickers, his daughter Lorelei Marie Wickers, his first wife Patricia Wickers, and his beloved second wife of 40 years Geri Wickers.

Wayne is survived by his children Theodore Wickers, Doris Lee Zinna, Rialate Wickers, Wayne W Wickers, Jr., and his fiancé Marion Herr. He will be missed by many more relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 30th from 10-11am at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 3975 Wedgewood Ln, The Villages. A service and celebration of life will follow the visiting hours starting at 11:00am.