Wayne Edwin Pahl

Surrounded by family, Wayne Edwin Pahl, of La Crosse, left to go trout fishing in eternal waters, Nov. 2, 2017.

He is fondly remembered by his children for the example he set as a father and the independence and adventures he encouraged. He was a father, teacher, outdoorsman; and Boy Scout leader for 14 years at St. Thomas More.

Wayne was born May 27, 1933 in Arcadia, WI. He was the first of five children, and only son, born to Edwin and Edith (Bornstedt) Pahl. He lived in Arcadia, Downers Grove, IL and La Crosse. Wayne was a 1951 graduate of Central High School, where he played football and lettered three years in basketball, beginning sophomore season. In 1952, he married Carol Ann Sexauer and together they raised six wonderful children.

After attending Western Wisconsin Technical College, Wayne initially worked for La Crosse Tool and Die. Then he worked for 15 years in the Experimental Laboratory of the Trane Company, alongside his dad. Later, his brother-in-law, Bob Sexauer, convinced Wayne to come work in the family business, Badger Corrugating Co. He retired from Badger as its sales manager.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol; six children: Anita (Edward) Young, Cyndy (Bob) Reichgelt, Sue (Jerry) Severson, Bryan (Reta), Allan (Nan), and Marion “Babes” (Wade Johnson). Eighteen grandchildren: Eddie (Heather), Hunter (Kim), Laura (Bob), Tim (Leslie), Bobbie (Gustavo), Christy (Andy), KC (Kenisha), Kim (Tim), Kevin (Danielle), Andy, Kate, Kelly, Kristin, Michelle (Justin), Kathryn (Ross), Jessica, Nick (Amanda), and Mirachelle. Seventeen great-grandchildren: Tyler, Brayden, Mady, Hunter Jr., Bennett, Easton, Parker, Gavin, Harper, Bree, Blake, Dimitri, Karson, Grayson, Farrah, Devon and Evelyn. He is further survived by three sisters: Sally (Donald) Johnson, Sue Prinsen, and Mary Suchanek. A brother-in-law, Chop Lenz; and sister-in-law Mary Sexauer. Also, many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends, especially his Glidden Hunting and Rosie’s Restaurant friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Edith; sisters, Jayne Rezin and Judy Lenz; brother-in-laws Rich Prinsen, Bob Sexauer and Jack Fuchsel; and sister-in-law Mary Ann Fuchsel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to La Crosse Children’s Museum, home of Wayne’s Fishing Shack.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 22 ^nd at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman with Msgr. Charles Stoetzel officiating. Entombment will follow in the Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:30 until 7:30 P.M. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse, and again at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of Mass.