Wayne I. Owens

Wayne I. Owens, 69 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Monday evening, January 8, 2018 at his home in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice. Wayne Irvin, son of Cecil and Joyce (Hillerman) Owens was born on February 8, 1948 at Devils Lake, ND. He was reared and educated in Leeds, ND and graduated from Leeds High School with the class of 1967.  Wayne continued his education at Lake Region Junior College and graduated with an Associates’ Degree in Auto Mechanics.  Wayne was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Myers on February 3, 1968 at Leeds. Wayne and Shirley established their home in Devils Lake for their entire married life, where they lived, worked and raised their sons through the years. While attending college, Wayne worked part-time for Don’s Taxi Service. He later was a truck driver for Hulstrand Construction of Lakota.  Wayne decided on a more indoor career, and was the Environmental Services Director at the Good Samaritan Home for many years.  The open road and the truck driver in him, brought him to employment with Close Construction and at the time of his death he was a blade operator for the Ramsey County Highway Department.  In high school, Wayne was an active FFA member and that farmer/nature influence carried on through the years as he loved gardening, hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends. Wayne was an avid archer and presently was a member of the Lake Region Shooting Sports Association. An evening in front of the TV had to include his favorite Westerns.  He was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and served as Head Usher for many years.  Wayne could always find someone to visit with, friend or stranger, he would strike up a conversation. But his pride and joy were “his sons” and “his girls”, Mikaya and Ava.  Wayne was forever a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Shirley; sons Robert (Tyann) Owens of Fargo, ND and William (Kjerstin) Owens of Grand Island, New York; granddaughters Mikaya and Ava Owens; sisters Carolyn (Steve) Brotton, Rugby, ND and Janet (Kirk) Randle, Leeds, ND; many favorite nieces, his nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Robert in infancy; brother Robert in infancy and in-laws Spurgen and Mary Myers. Funeral Services for Wayne will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday, January 14th from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance and Prayer at 6:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Monday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.