Wayne Wilberding

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Wayne Wilberding who departed peacefully on November 2, 2025 at the age of 86.

A devout Catholic, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.

Wayne was born in Sheperd Michigan to the late Henry and Paulina Wilberding, the oldest of 9 children. He attended Michigan State University and worked at their Kellogg Center where his culinary journey began. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean con ict.

In 1971 he married Anne Halmo, and they moved to Delaware where they owned and operated The Iron Hill Inn for eighteen years. Continuing he joined Hodgson Vo-Tech as a culinary arts instructor for twenty years. There he helped mold countless students to rewarding careers.

Wayne was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Family Church where he was a lector, sacristan, and Eucharistic minister. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and Grand Knight for several years. Wayne was the go-to food guy for all of the Church functions like the Summerfest, The Fish Fry, Pancake breakfasts along with his brother Knights.

Wayne was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. His four daughters and eleven grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved attending their sports and school functions. He played golf, tennis, and racquetball and he loved cheering for his favorite teams the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Michigan State and University of Delaware Blue Hens.

Wayne is survived by his wife Anne, daughters Melanie (John), Kristine (Alexis), Jane (John), and Elizabeth (Greg), his grandchildren Megan, JC, Greg (Laura), Kyle, Skyler (Dottie), Glenn, Gabby (Conor), Cameron, Isabella, Angelo, and Chloe. His brothers Lester, Larry (Robin), Kenny (Pam), sisters Angela, Mary Ann (Dennis), Elfrieda (Ray) and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Mark and sister Lynn.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road Newark, Delaware. Viewing from 10-12, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 12. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of owers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Church or the Food Bank of Delaware.