Wayne Robert Gayhart

Wayne R. Gayhart passed away on January 11, 2024, at the Courtyard in Oshkosh from dementia. Wayne was born to Carroll and Bernice Gayhart on November 2, 1939. He graduated from Oshkosh High School, the class of 1957. He began a four-year apprenticeship in cabinet making and carpentry. Wayne was called to serve with the Army National Guard during the Berlin Crisis. He was commander of the Oshkosh Boat Club in 1985.

Wayne married Dorthey Pokrandt on June 26, 1961. Together they had two boys, Jim and Jon. Later he married Sharon (Shawnee) Fossum in Florida on March 21, 1981. He was so proud to have been asked to walk Shawnie’s two daughters down the isle on their wedding days.

Wayne was known for building beautiful homes in Oshkosh. He built a house for his son Jon and family in De Pere and topped it off with a one-of-a-kind fireplace mantel. He loved making cabinets, furniture and gifts for people and his family. He worked hard and enjoyed being his own boss.

There were many boating trips with friends to the Mississippi River, Apostle Islands, Door County, Lake Michigan and the North Channel; road trips in the USA; and cruising to the Caribbean and Europe with Shawnee and friends made for wonderful memories.

Preceded in death are his parents and two brothers, Alan and Bruce Gayhart.

The family would like to say “Thank you” to the staff at Courtyard in Oshkosh and to Preceptor Home Health Care for their care and compassion for Wayne.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at The Waters, 1393 Washington Ave, Oshkosh.

Please consider a donation in Wayne’s name to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871.

Grief never ends but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.

Until we meet again, thanks for the memories and love. - Shawnee