Wayne O. Risk

Wayne Orville Risk, age 91, of Elmore passed away on Tuesday, January 9^th, 2024 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth, MN. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 11AM on Monday, January 15, 2024 at United Methodist Church in Elmore. A visitation will be held at Patton Funeral Home on Sunday from 3:30-5:30PM and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will take place in Riverview Cemetery.

Wayne was born on July 9, 1932 in Ledyard, IA to Orville and Esther (Richter) Risk. He was raised on the farm where he worked very hard. He attended school in Elmore graduating in 1950. He continued to help his parents until he was 19 years old. At this time he was drafted into the Army in November of 1951 at Fort Sheridan. From there he went to Gap, Pennsylvania where they spent 16 weeks of infantry training before being shipped overseas to Korea. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Wayne returned back home to the farm.

On June 9, 1956, he married Joyce Pingel and they were inseparable, especially in their retirement years. He was a hard worker on the farm, but also found time for a game of cards at the Legion Post #192 or meeting many friends in Elmore for breakfast. Together Wayne and Joyce raised their two children, Darwin and Kim. Farming was his greatest passion. When asked what color machinery he had, his response would be, “There’s only one color, and that was green.”

Wayne was a long time member of the United Methodist Church. He also served on some of their committees, the latest being Finance. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #192, serving as Commander for 40 years. Outside of working, Wayne enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons and three great-grandchildren. He loved them all tremendously. Wayne will be remembered as a hard worker; for all his “words of wisdom”; a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and all around friend to many others.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joyce; daughter, Kim Volz; grandson, Travis (Elise) Volz of Frost, MN; great-grandchildren, Jaydyn Volz of Mankato, MN, Grant and Carly Volz of Frost, MN; along with many brother-and-sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, and many great friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Esther Risk; brother, Darreld Risk; sister, Ferne More; son, Darwin Risk; and grandson, Mike Volz.