Mass of Christian Burial for Wayne Raymond Rouse, 71, of Estherville, will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville with Father Merlin Schrad officiating. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Estherville.
Wayne passed away June 14, 2021 after a lengthy illness at Estherville Good Samaritan Center at the age of 71. Wayne would have turned 72 on June 20, 2021.
Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.
Wayne Raymond Rouse, the son of Raymond and Mary Alice Carter Rouse, was born June 20, 1949, in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
His childhood was spent on the family farm north of Dickens, Iowa. Wayne’s early education was at Lake Center. He graduated from Terril Community High School in 1967. He attended Iowa State University. Wayne married Patricia Agnes Thelen on October 4, 1971 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. They moved to Estherville and made their life there, and had two sons, Robert and Joseph.
He worked for area farmers laying tile. He also worked for AgChem for many years, retiring in 1991 due to health issues. His co-workers said they appreciated his work ethic and friendship. He was a good bowler and even bowled a perfect game!
He liked to fish and enjoyed watching sports. Wayne had a good sense of humor and enjoyed making up one-liners. The nieces and nephews called the jokes “Wayners”. He loved being out in nature, especially watching the birds. Listening to music brought great joy to Wayne.
He was a member of St Patrick’s Parish.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Patricia, his sister Donna Rouse Bierle of Kansas City, Mo., brother, Frank and wife Pat of Kalona, Iowa and sister, Dawn Rouse Jordan of Gahanna, Ohio and seven nieces and nephews on the Rouse side. On the Thelen side there are 14 nieces and nephew plus great nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his two sons, Robert and Joseph, his parents and a great-nephew, Jayden Thelen.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
