Wayne Noffke

Wayne H. Noffke passed away peacefully at the age of 84, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and four sons, on the evening of December 1, 2024. Wayne was born on September 8, 1940, in Neenah, Wisconsin and was the son of the late, Clarence and Lucille (Birling) Noffke. He attended school in Menasha, graduating in 1959. Shortly after, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a home builder and remodeler. Through the years, Wayne shared his talents in carpentry and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His greatest gift was meeting his adored wife, Kelly (Colleen) McQuillan, who he created a wonderful life with. They were married at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Menasha on May 11, 1963. They raised four sons, who Wayne was so proud of, and were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

Wayne loved the outdoors and being on the water. In 1982, Wayne and Kelly built a cabin on Rose Lake, which has been, affectionately, known as “Wayne’s World.” This was his favorite place, and he was gracious in sharing it with family and friends. He was the protector of the loons’ nests and was thrilled to take any and everyone, on long tours around the lake on his pontoon. Wayne was a man with a big heart and a zest for life. He loved to sit around the campfire telling stories with his relatives, high school friends, and neighbors alike. He also enjoyed spending quality time with loved ones, watching sports, and building and fixing things using his very own inventory from his 40’ x 80’ garage up north (known as “Wayne-Mart”). While raising their family, Kelly and Wayne would set out on many road trip adventures with their boys in his self-made camper they named “The Slow Poke.” He also liked salmon fishing on the Great Lakes and being a scout leader – sharing his love for the outdoors with his sons and others. Wayne was a great role model for many and a faithful member of Saint Patrick’s church. Most importantly, he was a cherished family man, and we are so fortunate to have had him in our lives as a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa (“Great Pa”), brother, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his dear wife, Kelly; his sons: Tod (Tracey) Noffke of Hortonville; Craig (Sandy) Noffke of Fremont; Curt (Jodi) Noffke of Kaukauna; and Bret (formerly, Jenny) Noffke of Hortonville; Ten grandchildren: Aleczander Noffke (Aysia Ruelle) with great-grandchildren, Myles and Nox Noffke; Nicolai Noffke (Ellie Kummerow); Alicia (Ian) Oestreich with great-grandchild, Cypress Oestreich; Caitlin Noffke (Keegan Lott); Rachael (Adam) Cochart with great-grandchildren Quinn, Kylah, and Cash Cochart; Jeremiah (Shana) Noffke with great-grandchildren Emma and Noah Noffke; Brady Misevicz (Mai Xiong) with great-grandchild Skylar Misevicz; Logan (AnneMarie) Misevicz; Jordan Paalman (Jessica Jenson) with great-grandchildren Evelyn and Emmett Paalman; and Caden Noffke; his siblings: Lee (Nancy) Noffke; Pat (Tom) Makofski; Danny Noffke; Kay Stuart; (Barb) Noffke; Nathan (Debbie) Noffke; Bruce (Beth) Noffke; Judy (Ron) Strebelinksi; Tim (Kathy) Noffke; Vaughn (Tami) Noffke; Sheri (Tom) Posselt; and Kelly’s siblings: (Shirley) McQuillan and Kitty (Michael) Peterson.

Preceding Wayne in death were his parents, Clarence and Lucille; his in-laws, Peter and Helen; two brothers, (Gary and Ron); six brothers-in-law, Keith, Bob, Harold, Jack, Pat, and Jim; and three sisters-in-law, Maggie, Dorothy, and Ellen.

The family would like to express a special thank you to everyone from the Cancer Care and Hospice teams at ThedaCare, especially Dr. Shareoi Fernando, Dr. Shannon Schmidt, Brianna, and Stephanie.

Wayne’s family will receive relatives and friends from 9:00am-11:00am on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 324 Nicolet Blvd, Menasha with a mass to follow at 11:00am. Wayne will be laid to rest at St. Margaret Mary Cemetery in Neenah, WI. 

"Those who Hope in the Lord will Renew their Strength. They will soar on Wings like Eagles.” (Isaiah 40: 31)