October 13, 1946 – July 23, 2025
Wayne Donald Husom was born on October 13, 1946, in Minneapolis to John and Hildur (Peterson) Husom. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Wayne attended Seward Elementary through 8th grade and completed 9th grade at South High in Minneapolis. His father passed away when Wayne was in third grade. Afterward, the family spent many summers on his grandmother’s farm in Buffalo. Wayne especially loved being there, spending time helping his uncle and embracing the farm life. He was thrilled when his mother married Leo Schaefer, which meant moving to Buffalo full time and attending Buffalo Senior High School, where he graduated.
Wayne proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Canopus, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, with sea duty that often took him to Spain. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Buffalo and attended Golden Valley Lutheran College. In 1969, Wayne married the love of his life, Janice Richardson, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. They were blessed with four children.
Though Wayne once dreamed of farming, his path led to a varied career in sales—including life insurance, animal feed, gloves, safety gear, rainwear, newspaper delivery, Lutheran Digest ads, and even deer hides. He and Jan lived in several towns across Minnesota, but always returned to Buffalo for holidays and family events. After raising four kids, he was thrilled at the thought of becoming a grandfather. Welcoming that first grandchild was a moment he looked forward to with pride and joy. What he didn’t expect was how quickly one would turn into thirteen.
Wayne had a big presence. He lit up every room he entered, and people were drawn to him. He loved people, and they loved him. Though outgoing and full of stories, he carried a quiet and gentle spirit that made others feel at ease. His faith was a cornerstone of his life. He knew his Savior well and enjoyed teaching Sunday school and sharing his beliefs with others.
Wayne had a deep love for the outdoors, and his stories—like the one about the 48” northern he caught off the dock—became family legends. It’s been said Wayne could catch a fish in his own bathtub. He loved fishing trips to Canada, hunting near the family farm in Hancock, and time spent with brothers, children, nieces, nephews, and grandkids—some of whom affectionately called him “Papa Wayno.” His trophies weren’t just on the wall; they lived in the memories he made with those he loved.
Wayne is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Jan; his children: Bill (Holly), Bobbi (Chris Benner), Brenda Schumacher and Ben (Joslyn); and his grandchildren: Grace (D.J.) Shefland, Kate and Scott Husom, Tristan, Colton and Ethan Benner, Mitchell and Samuel Schumacher, Tony, Madison, Madelyn, Brady and Alexander Husom. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Schmidt; brother Dan (Christine) Husom; sisters-in-law Joanne Skoglund and Joanie Richardson; and brothers-in-law Jim (Mary), Steve (Jane), and Bobby (Carol) Richardson.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Leo Schaefer, grandson Noah Benner, brother Clifford, and brothers-in-law Francis Schmidt and Jerry Richardson.
Funeral services for Wayne Donald Husom were held on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Pastor Kari Bahe will officiate.
A visitation was held AT THE CHURCH on Monday, July, 28th one hour prior to services.
Casket Bearers will be Tristan Benner, Colton Benner, Tony Smude, D.J. Shefland, Mitchell Schumacher, Brady Husom, Ethan Benner, Scott Husom, Samuel Schumacher and Alex Husom.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
