Obituary of Wayne Russell Peckham

Wayne Russell Peckham (80) died very peacefully on September 17, 2024. 

He was a gentle giant — his hands big and strong from pulling miles of wire through conduit as an electrician — with a heart so warm and kind he could melt an iceberg. He will be dearly missed.

Wayne was born in South Dakota where he and his two brothers and two sisters were raised by their mom on the family farm. They never had much, but they always had enough. He met Marlene Johnson at Dell Rapids High School. They later married and moved to Minnesota to start a new life together. They were married 60 years before Marlene’s passing last summer.

Wayne was the quintessential family man who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, always with an eye toward giving his children a better life. He more than succeeded.

Wayne is survived by his two kids, Janelle Brisco (Dave) and Steve Peckham (Katie); brothers, Don Peckham and Rex Peckham; his grandchildren, Julia Cullom (Josh), Justin Brisco (Abby), Danae Smith (Ryan), Sam Peckham and Elliott Peckham; and his great grandchildren, Ethan, Jana, Kallie and Grace; and lots of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Wayne was a voracious reader who was fascinated with the past and the future (American history and space exploration), which was interesting because he was the epitome of a person who lived in the present with both feet firmly planted on the ground. Though he suffered mightily from Alzheimer’s late in his life, he gave us this gem last Spring while being driven (perhaps too hastily) to an appointment: “Why is everyone in such a damn hurry anyway? We’re all going to get where we need to go. Why not just enjoy the ride?” 

Point taken, Dad. Nothing but smooth road and blue sky as far as the eye can see. Go ahead, roll the windows down, turn on the radio and take it all in.

In lieu of flowers, anyone interested can make a donation to the Hope of the Ozarks: Donate - https://hopeoftheozarks.org/donate/