In 1954, Wayne graduated with a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University. He taught school and coached sports in Greenleaf, Kansas from 1954 until 1959, and to this day, former students still refer to him as "coach." Wayne and his family moved to Holdrege, Nebraska in 1959 where he leased Woerner Oil gas station, before buying it in 1971, which became Power Oil Co. and later Power Mart Inc. The family also owned and operated convenience stores in Kearney, Alma, and Arapahoe, NE. After leaving the convenience store industry in 1992, Wayne continued to operate a business information system and computer consultation business. In 2007, Wayne and his wife Doris moved to Fremont, NE and enjoyed spending time with their daughter Jenice and family.
Wayne was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church for many years while living in Holdrege. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, grilling, and caring for the family pool and his beautiful flowers. Wayne loved his grandchildren dearly and was a generous, devoted, and loving influence on their lives. Computers, politics, and great conversation were just a few of his many interests. He was a progressive thinker and a true mentor and friend to many.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Dave Linder. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Doris, of Fremont, NE; two sons, Wayne Power Jr. and his wife Cheryl of San Antonio, TX; Keith Power and his wife Bobbie of Houston, TX; three daughters, Joleen Linder of Holdrege, NE; Jenice Wolfe and husband Brad of Fremont, NE; Janice Power-Quitmeyer and husband Kevin of Englewood, CO; eight grandchildren: Abigail Christensen and husband Adam of Lincoln, NE; Trisha Erickson and husband Chris of Omaha, NE; Stephanie Keeler and fiancé Mark Hansen of Boston, MA; Dalton, Pierce, and McKenae Power-Quitmeyer all of Englewood CO; Lila and Caroline Wolfe of Fremont, NE; two great grandchildren: Grant and Thea Christensen of Lincoln NE; five step grandchildren, Dawn Keith and husband David of Mobile AL, Kris Shaver and husband Trent of Atlanta NE, Richard Linder and his wife Kelli of Grand Island NE, Shane Pierce and his wife Holly of San Antonio, TX and Wesley Pierce and his wife Lauren of Saulte St. Marie MI; six great step grandchildren, Erica and Geoffrey Keith of Mobile AL, Wyatt Linder of Grand Island NE, AvaLayne and Barrett Pierce of San Antonio TX and Luke Pierce of Saulte St. Marie MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in his memory and will be designated at a later date. Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of the arrangements. Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.ludvigsenmortuary.com.
Condolences(11)
Mikki Isaacson
Minden, Ne Thursday, April 28, 2011 Wayne was the best! He was kind, generous and loving. There are so many memories that I could not even imagine where to begin between the pool, the station and just growing up across the street since I was little. My heart goes out to each of you at this time as I know what you are going through, it is the worst and hardest to lose someone so special. Know that he is watching over you all now and will be smiling over you every day and is always there to talk to. Your dad was there for me on many occasions and I will miss him as will many many others. My brothers send their well wishes as well. Mikki, Shane and Bret IsaacsonTiffany (Liljehorn) Vincent
Gothenburg, NE Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Dear Doris and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Suzanne Strickland
Holdrege, Ne Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Doris and family- Our family wishes to express our deepest sympathy to you and yours. I am the daughter of Alfred and Dorothy Richmond. I remember coming to the station when dad worked there. I am sure my dad and Wayne are having a good time talking and sharing stories about the old days now. Best wishes to all from Suzanne and Jim Strickland, Dorothy Richmond, Brenda Donlinger, and Debbie and Wendall Dorn.Jon High
Kearney, NE Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Kenda and I send our sympathy to the Power family. Having just gone through this with mom, we understand your sorry and grief. Special thanks to both Brad and Jenice for all you've done for us in the past. Our prayers are with you family.Don Sickels
Arlington, Te Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Janice and the Entire Power Family, My heartfelt sympathy to each of you during this time. Your dad was such a wonderful and caring person. Growing up in Holdrege, one could hardly not know your dad from Power Mart ! I have many happy memories seeing your dad in there and making sure that I left with a smile on my face. When I have the chance to travel back home it's always nice to have the wonderful memories of parking at Power Mart and talking to all your friends right there !!Eldon and Betty Johnson
Fort Calhoun, NE Wednesday, April 27, 2011 With deepest sympathy to you and your family. Eldon and BettyWayne Power Jr.
San Antonio, TX Tuesday, April 26, 2011 My wonderful Dad was the most influential figure in my life and touched the lives of many. I was blessed to have him for my Dad. The void left will never be filled but I am blessed with a lifetime of memories. Words cannot express the amount that I will miss him.Cheryl Power
San Antonio, TX Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Wayne Power Sr.'s Life Song.....pictures tell the story of what was important to him...His heart always had just enough room for anyone that needed a Dad or a Grandpa...a role he didn't take lightly...Husband...he was the most supportive and loving and p...ut her needs above his own...every flower planted every burger turned...every touch...was a beautiful expression of how much he loves Doris Power...He will be missed in our daily lives but will be forever in our hearts, memories and in our legacies that we pass on to our children and their children after. I will truly miss " HOWS MY GIRL" and the lengthy conversations about politics, the lastest book he read, and the life's pressures he experienced....He was my DAD...I love you and miss you...CherylDon Strohmeyer
Axtell, Ks Monday, April 25, 2011Kevin Gaffney
Carson City, Ne Monday, April 25, 2011Damian and Joanne Strohmeyer
Lexington,, MA Wednesday, April 27, 2011 My family has many wonderful memories of Uncle Wayne and Aunt Doris. We looked forward greatly to our visits to their home in Holdredge and they were the most gracious hosts ever. Wayne and Doris were also so supportive of my Mother during her illness before her passing. They made the drive to Lincoln from Fremont numerous times which at their age and health was no small feat. I know our family greatly appreciated their loving support during that difficult time. On another note I always loved how Wayne embraced technology. He was computer savvy long before most of us were for sure. He loved the internet and it was wonderful to stay connected to his family through his emails. He was a wonderful man and I know his memory will always have a fond place in my heart.