R. Wayne Ankeny

Wayne was born October 28, 1928, in Blue Earth, the son of C. Clayton and Lena (Grout) Ankeny. He was raised and educated in Blue Earth where he was a 1946 graduate of Blue Earth High School. He worked with his father after high school in the family business, Ankeny Recreation, until joining the U.S. Navy in 1950. He was married to Lois Peterson on October 7, 1951 at First United Methodist Church in Blue Earth. The couple spent his service time stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, before returning to Blue Earth in 1954. Wayne continued to work with his father until he started Ankeny Furniture in 1969. He owned and operated Ankeny Furniture for many years and had several other ventures such as the Radio Shack business and Ankenys Coffee Shop through the years. He was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church and was a 50 plus year member of the American Legion Post #89 in Blue Earth. Wayne was also a member of the Blue Earth Fire Dept. for 20 years, a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club, Jaycees, founding member of the Town & Country Players where he had roles in numerous productions, WAMP (Winnebago Area Musical Players) and sang in the Barber Shop Chorus and Quartet. Wayne was a recipient of the Blue Earth Chamber of Commerce Community Service award and the Sertoma Club Service Award. He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and other countries but always loved being in Blue Earth. Wayne is survived by his wife, Lois Ankeny of Blue Earth, his daughter, Cynthia (Thomas) Steinke of Blue Earth, his son, Bruce (Bonnie) Ankeny of Blue Earth, his son, Jay (Barbara) Ankeny of Jackson, Wyoming, his brother, Wendell Ankeny of Port Townsend, Washington, 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.