Wayne Robert Aicher, 79, of Ottawa, IL passed away peacefully on April 10, at Ottawa Pavilion surrounded by his wife and family.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Pastor David Davies officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
He was born May 4, 1935 in Normal, Illinois to Frank and Dorothy Aicher. Raised in Ottawa, he attended Ottawa Township High School and excelled in music and sports.
Following high school graduation, he served in the Navy and married Joanne Marie Harris on December 31, 1955. Settling in Ottawa, they began raising a family while Wayne worked for Northern Illinois Gas Co. After several years with Northern Illinois Gas Co., Wayne pursued an opportunity to better provide for his growing family. The result was a 32 year career with State Farm Insurance (Wayne Aicher – The Best for Less). Wayne was deeply grateful to his community for his professional success, and in appreciation served on various civic boards.
Following the death of his wife, Joanne, and son, James, Wayne married Joan Marten in 1968. Together they raised 6 children (Kevin, Julie, John, Cindy, Jeff, and Jay). Their marriage lasted 33 years, ending with Joan’s untimely death from cancer in 2001.
Wayne married Pat Russell on June 22, 2002 and were married nearly 13 years. Between them, they had 13 children, 23 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy: his wife, Joanne and son, James; his wife Joan: his brother, Gene Aicher; step-daughter, Sarah Livesay; grandson, Timothy Aicher, and granddaughter Joanne Misener.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; a brother, Kenneth (Tampa Bay); a sister, Sheila (Conway, SC); six children, Kevin (Liz) Aicher (New Mexico), Julie Shields (Las Vegas), John Aicher (Ottawa), Cindy (Tod) Misener (Oglesby), Jeff Aicher (Ottawa), and Jay (Amy) Aicher (Ottawa); five step-children, Carol (T.C.) Konrath (Ottawa), Denny Russell (Ottawa), Donny (Ann) Russell (Ottawa), Kathy Hite (North Carolina), and Julie (Joe) Terando (Marseilles).
Wayne had a number of interests: playing the trombone, golfing, building model ships, painting, and remodeling homes. Although the time spent on such interests varied throughout his life, his love and support for his family remained constant.
Memorials may be addressed to the family.
Wayne is laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.