Wayne Miest of Hastings, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield. He was born to George and Lois (Fredrickson) Miest on November 9, 1950, in Saint James, Minnesota. He graduated from Saint James High School with the Class of 1969.
Wayne first married Kathryn Gerdes, and together they were blessed with three children: Christopher, Rebecca, and Traci. Following their divorce, Wayne found love again with Rita (Bakke) Roiger who became his devoted partner and wife. Rita brought three children to their union — Ryan, RaeKell, and Regin — and together they built a full and loving life.
Growing up on a farm instilled in Wayne a deep and lifelong love of agriculture. He carried that passion throughout his career, spending his working years dedicated to serving and supporting farmers while managing grain elevators and later providing crop insurance services, along with Rita, running their own crop insurance business, Ag Income Security LLC.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lois and grandson, Drew Lambert.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Rita; children; Christopher (Barbara) Miest, Rebecca Miest, and Traci Carlson, Ryan (Tara) Roiger, RaeKell (Andy) Lambert, and Regin (Amber) Roiger; grandchildren; Sawyer, Danica, Sten, Tryggvi, Maddy, Evan, Jenna, Drew, Myles, Alice, and Edyth; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Dennis (Kathy) Miest, Elizabeth (Daryl) Isebrand, John (Jeanne) Miest, Shirley (Paul) Laingen, Douglas (Sherry) Miest, Bonnie Glasgow (Steve Copeland), and JoyAnn (Willis) Sing; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel with visitation starting at 1 p.m.. A reception will follow the service. Private family interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.
