08/05/2015 - Wayne R. Brickner

Graveside services for Wayne R. Brickner of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00am at the Hay Springs Cemetery.

At Wayne’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service, only a graveside service.

Wayne R. Brickner passed away Saturday morning, August 1, 2015 at his home.

He leaves his wife, Loretta Brickner (Wiltse) of 62 years; a daughter, Evelyn Brickner and husband John Hofer; two sons, Steven Brickner married to Gail Brickner (Selstrom), and Justin Brickner married to Sue Brickner (Alberts).

He is also survived by four grandchildren, Alicia Letterly married to Seth Letterly, Joshua Brickner, Hadley Brickner, and Annie Brickner; two great-grandchildren, Makenna Letterly and Jaxon Letterly, and his brother Joe.

He was predeceased by his other brother Dale Brickner, his parents and many friends.

Wayne was born September 22, 1928. He lived on the same ranch east of Chadron all his life, first with his parents and then with his family.

Farming and ranching was his life’s work, except for the two years he served with the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper.

He attended a country school near his home and graduated from Hay Springs High School.

He met Loretta Wiltse while on a 3-day pass with his buddy and they were married May 10th, 1953 in Ithica, Michigan.

Wayne served on the Chadron Rural Fire Board for several years, was on the school board and was a Deacon at Zion Lutheran Church.

He was an avid hunter of deer and elk in Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana. He also became a gunsmith and made several rifles for himself, his sons, grandson, and friends.

He loved and cherished his wife Loretta and his family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Zion Lutheran Church or the Chadron Volunteer Rural Fire Department. 

Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary, PO Box 443, Hay Springs, NE  69347.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.