Wayne Lloyd Kjack

Wayne began a new fishing adventure on June 3, 2024, in Spokane, Wash.

He was born on the family farm on April 17, 1933, to Dinty and Mae Kjack north of Rosalia, Wash. Wayne graduated from Rosalia High School in 1951, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He continued his love of sports by playing town team basketball and baseball as a young adult.

After high school, he attended Eastern Washington College (EWU) for a short time before returning to the family farm. Wayne served two years in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Station at North Island, San Diego, Calif. Upon discharge he served in the Naval Reserves at Geiger Field.

In 1958 he married Donna Crockett, and they were married for 62 years. Wayne and Donna lived most of their married life in the Plaza and Rosalia areas where he farmed for 43 years. He continued working for local farmers for several years after retirement, with his final harvest driving combine at the age of 82.

Wayne was a member of the Plaza Grange, Rosalia Lions Club, Malden-Pine City Gun Club, helped with the start of the Whitman County pee-wee basketball program and bowled in the Thursday morning Farmers League in Rosalia followed by playing cards at Feldman's Tire Shop. He was a 20-year volunteer firefighter with Spokane County Fire District 3.

Wayne was an avid elk, deer and pheasant hunter and told many stories of hunting in the Blue Mountains. Fishing was another passion and he fished in many of the local lakes, his favorite being Bonnie Lake in south Spokane County. Westport, Wash., was an annual fishing trip that he took for decades. Several family members and friends got to experience these trips.

Wayne took great pride in the lawn and garden that he maintained at the home on Paradise Rd and shared his produce with all the neighbors near and far. Friends knew produce was arriving when they saw the 1976 blue Chevy pickup pull up!

Wayne and Donna enjoyed traveling with dear friends and created many wonderful memories. They were season ticket holders for Eastern Washington Eagle football and basketball games for over 20 years and he enjoyed watching the Mariners, Seahawks and Gonzaga basketball on TV.

Wayne was extremely proud of his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. He rarely missed one of their activities, whether it was sports, stock show or combine derby.

Wayne is preceded in death by his wife Donna, parents Dinty and Mae Kjack; brother, Junior Kjack. He is survived by his daughter Karla (Jeff) Stehr, Plaza; son Kal (Kay) Kjack, Fairfield; brother Ron (Bonnie) Kjack, Plaza; grandchildren Brian (Casey) Jeske, Spangle; Nathan (Samm) Stehr, Spokane Valley; Janell (Chris) Gilmer, Fairfield; Caitlin (Jason) Teske, Ritzville; Heather (Jacob) Lauderdale, Rathdrum. 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Moran Vista for the care they provided to Wayne over the past three and a half years.

There will be a graveside service Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Pine City Cemetery in Pine City, Wash. A gathering to share stories and remembrances will be held at the Spangle Service Club, Spangle, WA following the graveside service.

Memorials can be made in Wayne's name to the Malden-Pine City Gun Club or charity of one's choice.

Heritage Funeral Home, Spokane, Wash., is in charge of arrangements.