Wayne Weathers, age 86, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the early morning hours on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022 in Waconia, MN.
Wayne Thomas, the only child of Thomas and Dorothy (Shue) Weathers, was born on Aug. 16, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. Following his graduation from St. Procopius Catholic School in Chicago, Illinois, he went on to post-secondary education at a local community college.
On June 25, 1960, Wayne was united in marriage to the love of his life Jacqueline (Jackie) Stanek, and made their 昀rst home in Downers Grove, IL. In 1973, Wayne and Jackie moved their family to the beautiful little community of Deephaven, MN on the shores of Lake Minnetonka where they found the home and lifestyle of their dreams. This is also where the Weathers family established lifelong friendships. Wayne and Jackie were the consummate hosts and loved to entertain. When they hit the dance 昀oor, it was a show like no other! Wayne spent his entire working career in the candy and snack business and earned the nick name “The Candy Man” by neighbors and friends. Wayne continued to take care of his customers right up to his 昀nal days on earth. Wayne always had a pen in his pocket, and he would often say “you never know when you will need to write an order”.
Wayne was an active volunteer in Scouting. He was Scoutmaster for his sons Troop #420 and honored with membership of the Order of the Arrow and also completed Scoutmaster Leadership Training at Wood Badge and Philmont Scout Ranch; he was very proud of these achievements.
Wayne was an unbelievable woodworker. He always had the best tools and the nicest woodshop where he continued to craft projects until his health no longer allowed him to do so. He also loved to cook. His famous Christmas morning breakfasts will be greatly missed.
Wayne loved the outdoors and spent many hours in the woods bow hunting with his sons and friends. He achieved the pinnacle of his hunting career when he bagged an elk while bow hunting in Montana. Wayne’s love of guns was incredible, he knew everything about them. His community involvement continued when he helped start and coach the Hastings High School Trap Shooting Team. Later in life, Wayne became passionate with Cowboy Action Shooting and could often be found traveling events with Jackie and grandson Logan at his side. Wayne was nicked named “Peddler Pete” by his fellow Cowboy action shooters and he loved it!
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife Jackie, parents Thomas & Dorothy Weathers, mother and fatherin- law Lillian & Leonard Stanek, and son in law Daniel Hanus. Wayne recently lost his beautiful Chocolate Labrador Ruger. Ruger was 13 and was his constant companion.
Wayne is survived by his children, Troy (Cindy) Weathers of Hastings, Tracey (Jean) Weathers of Norwood Young America, Wendy Hanus (signi昀cant other, Chris Back) of Minnetrista; grandchildren, Logan (Kasey) Hanus, Katie Weathers (昀ancé Gary Stoudt), and Madeline Weathers; great grandchildren, John, Blake & Natasha Hanus; brother-in-law, Leonard (Karen) Stanek of Sugar Grove, IL; and by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Wayne also had 4 grand dogs he was very fond of, Josie, Finnegan, Elliot & Maverick.
In honoring of Wayne’s 昀nal wishes, a Celebration of Life open house will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 2-5 p.m. at the Island View Golf Club, 7795 Laketown Parkkway, Waconia, MN.
The family wishes to thank the staff of New Perspective Senior Living, Waconia, the doctors, and other health care providers that helped dad live the best life he could.
In lieu of 昀owers, donations to the Minneapolis Heart Institute or Hastings Family Services are suggested. Private family burial at a later date.
