Wayne Duris

Wayne Duris, 83, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, left his mortal shell to be with the Lord on May 5^th, 2020. He slipped away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of late Marie & Matthew Duris. Wayne was the eldest of 5 siblings (Rochelle, Allen, Ted & Susan). He was preceded in death by his stepfather Victor Baker (whom he considered his father), grandparents Alice & John Jaeschke, brother Allen Duris, sister Rochelle Kresovic, and son Jeffrey Duris. On June 28^th, 1958 he married the love of his life, Margaret Neargarth, who survives.

Wayne loved music—it was the rhythm of his life. He taught himself how to play guitar and bass, and played with several different bands, from polka to rock. Although he never had a formal lesson in his life, Wayne could play any key signature by ear. He would sit in front of the television, playing along to live performances of the Grand Ole Opry and He-Haw. Wayne was the bass player and backup vocalist for the Nashville Rejects for over 50 years—he loved being on stage and entertaining others. Wayne was also proud to be part of the “Three Dads”—a trio group from his church.

Wayne was a man of deep faith. Throughout the years, he was actively involved as a Sunday school teacher, youth ministry leader, Lutheran Brotherhood member, and member of the Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH). Not only was Wayne an active member of the congregation at Adoration Evangelical Lutheran Church, he was also part of the choir, praise band and the Three Dads. Wayne had a close relationship with God, and a strong belief in all faiths. Although he came from little, he was extremely generous and kind.

Wayne was a devoted family man. He loved all 6 of his children: Jeff (Debbie), Lori (Myron), Scott, Mark (David), Dawn (Mark), and Thomas (Angela). Wayne loved to spend time with his grandchildren Christina, Megan (Nick), Melissa (Alex), Brooke, Lauren, Maggie, Zach and Leann, as well as his great grandchildren Sierra and Avery. Wayne loved family gatherings, vacationing in Pembine, spending time out on the Menomonee River, fishing and camping. Wayne was always quick with a joke and loved to make everyone laugh. Above all else, he loved his wife of nearly 62 years, Margaret, with his whole heart.

Due to these uncertain times, no funeral service is planned as of yet. Notifications will be forthcoming for a celebration of life event at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Adoration Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3840 W. Edgerton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53221.