U.S. Veteran Wayne Russell Perry, 85, of 6721 Amhurst Drive SW, died peacefully at his home on Feb. 23, 2016. Services were held at First Lutheran Church by Rev. Steve Knudson with military services by the American Legion Post 727. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Wayne is survived by his wife Darlyne; two sons Russell of Mt. Vernon, and Jim of Cedar Rapids; two daughters Janet (Greg) Robertson of Cedar Rapids, and Jean Hill of Kingsport, Tenn.; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and two sisters Zona Jones of Grinnell and Joan (Kent) Boisen of Cedar Rapids. He is preceded in death by his grandson Michael Robertson, a great granddaughter, Kylee Cagle, and a sister and brother-in-law Irene and Lyle Schutte.

Wayne was born on Nov. 14, 1930, in Chester, the son of James Phillip and Myrtle Leone Aulwes Perry. He graduated from LeRoy High School in LeRoy, Minn., in 1949 as the Valedictorian and a football star. Wayne joined the Air Force in 1950 and married Darlyne Louise Sande on June 22, 1952, in Decorah. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in 1955 and retired in 1989 after 24 years at P&H Harnischfeger. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Wayne enjoyed playing and teaching his family the fun of cards, especially his favorite game of 500. He liked taking trips with his family and always cherished the memories of an African Safari they took in 2005 where they hunted big game. Wayne will be remembered as a great listener and for having a loving heart.

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church.