Obituary: DeWayne “Wayne” C. Danke

DeWayne “Wayne” C. Danke, age 51, of Brillion, died March 19, 2022 at his residence with loving family by his side after a courageous 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on April 15, 1970 in Appleton, WI, son of Michael and Theresa “Terry” (Bushman) Danke. Wayne attended grade school in Little Chute and graduated from Kimberly High School. On July 21, 2006, he married his love, Jeanine Kaderabek at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Brillion. At a young age, Wayne worked with his dad making business signs and painting fire trucks. With Wayne’s artistic and creative talent, he began a lifelong career as a painter, ending his career working with a good friend at Fox Valley Finishing. He also worked a short time at Brillion Iron Works and Ariens. Wayne was a kind, generous man with a big heart, helping anyone who needed a hand and reaching out to strangers that looked like they needed a friend.

He had a contagious, fun-loving humor - sharing a quick one-liner, changing lyrics in a song or goofy action. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and great friend. He enjoyed karaoke – having a beautiful singing voice for all kinds of music, was an avid fisherman, looked forward to camping with his family especially at his childhood spot in Land o’ Lakes, scouting new fishing spots with his sons and watching the Packers. He loved sharing his artistic talents with his boys, cooking for others, and spending time with his boys and family.

He is survived by his wife: Jeanine Danke of Brillion; his sons: Masen Danke and Alexander Fischer; his mother, Theresa “Terry” Danke Marohl of Little Chute; his brother, Chad Danke (Gloria) of Shawano; mother-in-law, Doris Kaderabek of Manitowoc; sister-in-law, Janel (Craig) Satori of Denmark; brothers-in-law, Jake (Stef) Kaderabek of Clarks Mills, and Jon (Rachel) Kaderabek of Manitowoc; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews that he adored.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Danke, Sr.; his brothers: Raymond and Michael Jr.; his father-in-law, Alan Kaderabek and other relatives.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Tom Pomeroy and Deacon Greg Van Thiel, with burial in the Holy Family Parish Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion, on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the evening visitation led by Deacon Greg Van Thiel. The visitation will continue Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.pielhopwieting.com The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.