Wayne Edward Roback, 85, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 10, 2024, in the comfort of his home and surrounded by the love of his family.
Wayne was born at home in Ogden Township, Michigan on September 28, 1939, to Arthur and Adeline (Tonneberger) Roback. Being one of the youngest of nine children, Wayne lived life to the fullest entertaining family with his antics and a sense of humor. Wayne also lived a life devoted to family, agriculture, and community.
Wayne graduated from Adrian High School, where he was active in FFA and football, earning All-State Honors as a guard. He went on to Michigan State University (College), where he earned a two-year agricultural degree.
In 1961, Wayne married Karen Thomas of Onsted, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and purpose. They raised three children: Jayne (Jim) Near of Adrian, Janelle (Dirk) Stewart of Manchester, and Jay (Karen) Roback of Adrian.
Wayne’s lifelong passion for agriculture began early and extended through a 25-year career as a salesman for agricultural products. Afterward, he worked for Adrian Public Schools in the maintenance department, retiring in 2004. In retirement, Wayne dedicated over 20 years as a full-time volunteer at the Lenawee County Fairgrounds, where he continued to champion agriculture and youth education.
As an alumnus of the Lenawee County 4-H Program, Wayne proudly served as a 4-H leader, 4-H Junior Livestock Board member, and 4-H Swine Superintendent. His commitment to the Lenawee County Fair spanned more than 25 years as a fair board member. His passion for livestock and educating youth in the art of raising animals was a cornerstone of his life.
Wayne cherished his family, including his six grandchildren- Emily (Keith) Walworth, Hunter (Morgan) Stewart, Jocelyn (Sam Haack) Near, Katie Roback, Jameson Near, and Maggie Roback; and two great-granddaughters, Miley and Piper Walworth.
He is survived by his wife Karen; children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and siblings Roger Roback, Gordon (Shirley) Roback, and Jan Roback. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Richard (Doris) Roback, Melva Jean (Clarence) Walker, Florence Roback, Dorothy (Ed) Waltz, Carol Roback, Carl (Patty) Roback and Don (Jean) Roback.
Wayne’s legacy is one of dedication to family, community, and a love for agriculture. He will be remembered as a mentor, a leader, and a man who found great joy in helping others succeed.
Visitation for Wayne will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Mike Sheldon officiating. Burial will follow at Lenawee Hills Memorial Gardens in Tecumseh.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the Lenawee County 4-H Program.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
Wayne was born at home in Ogden Township, Michigan on September 28, 1939, to Arthur and Adeline (Tonneberger) Roback. Being one of the youngest of nine children, Wayne lived life to the fullest entertaining family with his antics and a sense of humor. Wayne also lived a life devoted to family, agriculture, and community.
Wayne graduated from Adrian High School, where he was active in FFA and football, earning All-State Honors as a guard. He went on to Michigan State University (College), where he earned a two-year agricultural degree.
In 1961, Wayne married Karen Thomas of Onsted, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and purpose. They raised three children: Jayne (Jim) Near of Adrian, Janelle (Dirk) Stewart of Manchester, and Jay (Karen) Roback of Adrian.
Wayne’s lifelong passion for agriculture began early and extended through a 25-year career as a salesman for agricultural products. Afterward, he worked for Adrian Public Schools in the maintenance department, retiring in 2004. In retirement, Wayne dedicated over 20 years as a full-time volunteer at the Lenawee County Fairgrounds, where he continued to champion agriculture and youth education.
As an alumnus of the Lenawee County 4-H Program, Wayne proudly served as a 4-H leader, 4-H Junior Livestock Board member, and 4-H Swine Superintendent. His commitment to the Lenawee County Fair spanned more than 25 years as a fair board member. His passion for livestock and educating youth in the art of raising animals was a cornerstone of his life.
Wayne cherished his family, including his six grandchildren- Emily (Keith) Walworth, Hunter (Morgan) Stewart, Jocelyn (Sam Haack) Near, Katie Roback, Jameson Near, and Maggie Roback; and two great-granddaughters, Miley and Piper Walworth.
He is survived by his wife Karen; children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and siblings Roger Roback, Gordon (Shirley) Roback, and Jan Roback. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Richard (Doris) Roback, Melva Jean (Clarence) Walker, Florence Roback, Dorothy (Ed) Waltz, Carol Roback, Carl (Patty) Roback and Don (Jean) Roback.
Wayne’s legacy is one of dedication to family, community, and a love for agriculture. He will be remembered as a mentor, a leader, and a man who found great joy in helping others succeed.
Visitation for Wayne will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Mike Sheldon officiating. Burial will follow at Lenawee Hills Memorial Gardens in Tecumseh.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or the Lenawee County 4-H Program.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
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