Obituaries : Wayne R. Silhanek

Keystone—Wayne R. Silhanek, age 78, died Sunday, August 14, 2011 at St. Luke’s Hospital. 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18th, at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone with Revs. Bruce Kaltwasser and Richard Osslund officiating.  Visitation will be at the church from  4 to 8 pm on Wednesday and an hour before services on Thursday.  Private family inurnment will be at the Keystone Cemetery.

Wayne Robert Silhanek was born April 28, 1933 in Cedar Rapids  to John and Mayme Cernin Silhanek.  He attended country school and graduated from Keystone High School in 1951.  Wayne served his country in the US Army.  On August 23, 1953 he married Jean Offt in Keystone.  Wayne farmed and was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving on church council and teaching Sunday School.  He belonged to the Merkel Bockholt American Legion Post and served on the Benton Community School Board from 1980 to 1996.  Wayne served on the Benton County Cancer Board and was a frequent participant in the local Relay For Life events.  In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening but he was happiest farming and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean; five sons, Douglas (Jane) Silhanek, Atkins, Steven Silhanek, Dallas, TX, Greg( Carlene) Silhanek, Keystone, Kent Silhanek, Luzerne and Rod Silhanek, Keystone; seven grandchildren, Seth (Jessica) Silhanek, Zach (Karen) Silhanek, Rebecca (Michael) Weber, Jordan Silhanek , Jacqueline Silhanek, Todd (Colleen) Dorman and Danni Torson; nine great grandchildren, Brayden, Brock, Lauren, Allie, Camryn, Connor, Frank, Paige and Jackson and one brother, Richard (Norma) Silhanek, Keystone

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald and sister, Marjorie in infancy.

Memorials may be directed to the Benton County Cancer Board.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Wayne and his family.  Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.