Wayne Edward Degraef

Wayne E. “Doc” DeGraef, Sr., 62, Superior, died Thursday, November 1, 2012 in his home, following a brief, courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 24, 1950 to Clifford and Beverly (Lajoie) DeGraef.

Wayne served in the United States Marine Corps during the Viet Nam War.

He was employed as a switchman/yardmaster for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for forty years.

Wayne was a member of the United Transportation Union and the Belgium Club. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing and he enjoyed watching baseball. His greatest pleasure was spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Wayne is survived by one daughter, Kari (Nick) Hunter, Superior; two sons, Wayne (Keri) DeGraef, Jr., Superior, Joseph (Beth) DeGraef, Superior; six grandchildren, Christina, Brooklynn, Elise, Luke, Alayna and Mariah; his mother, Beverly DeGraef, Superior; three sisters, Roberta Lee, New York, NY, Valerie (Blaine) Bacon, Binghamton, NY, Jeanne (Dennis) Olson, Wisconsin Dells, WI; six brothers, James (June) DeGraef, Maple, WI, Peter (Linda) DeGraef, South Range, WI, Louis DeGraef, Superior, Edward DeGraef, Superior, Ronnie DeGraef, Superior, Michael DeGraef, Superior and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth on June 7, 2010 and his father Clifford.

There will be a Time of Remembrance and Celebration of Life for Wayne from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 10, 2012 in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home.

Wayne’s brothers will be recognized as honorary pallbearers.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.