Wayne S. Wieferich

Wayne S. Wieferich, age 81, a lifelong resident of Alma, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 9, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 8, 1943, in Alma, to Albert and Dorothy (Cole) Wieferich.
Growing up on the Wieferich family farm on Pingree Road, Wayne attended Mallory School before graduating from Alma High School. He answered the call to serve his country in the National Guard.
Wayne enjoyed racing motorcycles, snowmobiles, cars, golf carts and everything in between. If it had a motor and went fast, he liked it. He was a thrill seeker and lived life in the fast lane. He also liked to travel. He and Dianne enjoyed numerous trips especially Las Vegas, cruises, the Caribbean Islands and spending the winter months in Florida.
Wayne's entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. He owned milk routes, worked in construction, and was a warehouse manager for Schwan's. In 1985 he opened the Pennzoil 10 Minute Oil Change in Alma. One fateful day, Dianne from Consumers Power came to the construction site to discuss his gas and electric service and the rest is history. They were married on February 14, 1987.
After selling the oil change, he and Terry Clements transformed a closed building in downtown Alma into Bravehearts Pub which opened in 1999. He loved the bar business and often commented "there's no business like the bar business."
Wayne followed up his earlier volunteerism with the Alma Hospital Auxiliary Follies by dedicating much of his time to the Gratiot County Players at the Strand Theater. He found immense joy in creating sets and maintaining the theater. He was even on stage a few times and loved every minute of it. In addition to sitting on the GCP Board of Directors, Wayne received the LaBlanc Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his decades of service.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Dianne; his beloved daughters, Holly Patterson (Alex) and their son Oliver, and Melinda Spalding (Matt) and their children Benjamin, Alexis and Brianna. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Russell. There are an incredible number of friends and family who cannot be named for fear of missing someone but know that the family is grateful for the love and friendship you shared with Wayne throughout his life.
A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on a future date at the Alma Elks Lodge, providing an opportunity for friends and family to gather and share their memories. (No moping please, just laughter, beverages and fond stories)
Those wishing to honor Wayne's memory are invited to make memorial contributions to the Gratiot County Players, Alma Public Library or the Alma Community Arts Center.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Wayne's obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com