Obituary of Wayne Theye

Wayne Theye was born on January 25, 1944, in Odell, Nebraska, to Albert and Mildred Theye. The family lived on a farm in Marshall County, Kansas, until 1949 when they moved to a farm in Gage County, Nebraska, on the Kansas-Nebraska state line. Wayne obtained his early education in a one-room country school and his high school education in Barneston, Nebraska. He earned his BS from Dana College in 1966, where he met Naomi Petersen. Wayne and Naomi married in 1967 in Aurora, Colorado, in a ceremony officiated by Naomi’s father. The theme of the ceremony was inclusion. Wayne described his marriage to Naomi as the most fortunate thing that ever happened to him. 

Wayne earned his MAT from the University of Kansas on a National Science Foundation Fellowship in 1968. He taught science and mathematics at Landon Junior High School and physics at Topeka West High School in Topeka, Kansas, from 1968 to 1972.

Wayne and Naomi then moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they welcomed their first son, Jaron, in 1975. Wayne finished his Ed.D. from New Mexico State University in 1978 and served as a counselor at the university. The family’s next cross-country move happened in 1979, when they relocated to Ada, Ohio, with their newborn baby Dellan. Wayne served as the Director of Counseling at Ohio Northern University from 1979 until 2005. He also held counseling positions at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and at Winona State University in Winona, MN, where he and Naomi settled in 2008.

Wayne and Naomi shared many interests and hobbies over their 57 years of marriage. They loved taking long bike rides together, rollerblading, playing pickleball, watching movies, playing all varieties of board games, and discussing current events.  

Wayne loved both learning and teaching. In addition to his degrees, he earned a Clinical Certificate in Counseling from the University of Dayton and was licensed as a clinical counselor in Ohio and Minnesota. He continually attended workshops, completed online courses, and read voraciously. He enjoyed working with students both when he was a teacher and a counselor.

Wayne was a life-long gardener and had a green thumb. In retirement, he rented a large plot of land from the county of Winona to grow fruits and vegetables to donate to local food pantries. He did this for more than 15 years—regularly donating thousands of pounds of food each summer. His love of gardening is one of the many legacies that has passed to the next generation and beyond.

Wayne was a terrific storyteller. His knowledge was so deep and broad that he could have an interesting discussion with anyone on virtually any topic. His sense of humor kept his family laughing until his last day. He was a Denver Broncos fan, but happily cheered for whichever team his sons were rooting for too. He always said that he was proud of the accomplishments and kindness of his sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. He was a staunch believer in democracy and human dignity and fairness. He treasured Naomi with his whole heart.

Wayne died on March 17, 2025. He is survived by his wife Naomi; sons Dellan and Jaron (Kirsten); grandchildren Henry and Hadley; his siblings Roger, Bob, and Janice; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wayne’s wishes were for a private family committal service and burial in his home state of Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Wayne’s name to Winona Volunteer Services, 402 East Second St, WInona, MN  55987 or to a charity of your choice.