Racine – Wayne Allen Worden, 84, received the promise of eternal life on Thursday, June 16, 2016. He was born in Racine on July 19, 1931, son of the late Francis and Almeda (Née: Hare) Worden.
Wayne was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Virginia Charlotte Kautzer, on August 27, 1955, at St. Edward Catholic Church. Virginia preceded Wayne in death on September 19, 2014.
Wayne proudly and faithfully served his country as a Seaman 1st Class in the United States Navy from 1950 until 1952 during the Korean War. His love of sailing continued throughout his life. He once even sailed across Lake Michigan just for a fresh supply of Michigan peaches.
Wayne graduated from the University of Georgia with a master’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in administration. He was a teacher and chairman of the mathematics department at Case High School for thirty plus years until his retirement in 1989. Wayne is a former Racine County Supervisor, was on the board of directors for Educator’s Credit Union, served on the waste water commission for Racine County, and also served on the zoning commission for Racine County. Wayne was an accomplished pianist who attended the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin was his favorite piece of music to play.
Wayne leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Catherine (Dan) DeBonis, James (Katy) Worden, John (Kelly) Worden, Thomas (Lisa) Worden, Mary Worden, Michael Worden, Georgia (Brian) Grube, Linda Worden, Wayne (Debbie) Worden; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Patricia Worden; brother, Steven Worden; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to his parents and wife, Wayne is preceded in death by his son, Anthony Worden (stillborn).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 11:00am, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Terry Huebner officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30am until the time of the Mass. Burial with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. The family has suggested memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or Operation Homefront.
The family would like to extend a “Thank You” to the staff at The Woods of Caledonia as well as the staff at Hospice Alliance for the love and care during this difficult time.
Carol Hatch Baldry says
Wayne was a wonderful department head at Washington Park High School. I was there and worked with him from 1960-1968. Ruthann Baumann (Fennell, Judy Davies, and I were happy and willing tenants at his house and duplex. My sympathies to the family.