Obit: Payne, Robert L. (1933 - 2014)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Payne, Denman, Howe, Zimmermann, Piesz, Raschka, Reif, Shireman

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 25 Jun 2014

Payne, Robert L. (28 MAR 1933 - 22 JUN 2014)

Robert Leroy “Bob” Payne, 81, Spencer, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2014, at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, June 26, at Marshfield Seventh-day Adventist Church. Rev. David Burke will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., on Wednesday, at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer, and on Thursday at the church in Marshfield from 9:30 a.m., until time of services. Pallbearers will be Paul Zimmermann Jr., Thomas Piesz, John Raschka, Joshua Zimmermann, Skyler Zimmermann and David Payne. Burial services will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, June 27, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Richland Center.

Bob was born on March 28, 1933, in Richland Center, the son of Bernard and Clara (nee Denman) Payne. After attending public school, he continued his education at Emmanuel Missionary College Academy in Berrien Springs, Mich., graduating in June 1952. From 1952-53, Bob worked as a hack saw machine operator until entering the United States Army in that same year. He served as a medical aidsman from 1953-55 and received the National Defense Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. He married the love of his life, Leberta Howe, in Prattville, Mich., on April 8, 1953. Bob was engaged in dairy farming but also worked as a certified nursing assistant at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 37 years. From 1972-90, both Bob and his wife, Leberta, were dedicated foster parents for Wood County. On April 21, 2006, Bob retired from farming operations and St Joseph’s Hospital. From 2008 until present, he resided with his wife at Back Country Manor in rural Spencer. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He truly loved helping them or anyone in need of help or assistance, whenever or wherever. He was always willing to offer his street smarts to either family, friend or stranger. He was a member of Marshfield Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Leberta Payne; his four children, Rodney Payne, Powell, Wyo., Lynetta (Paul) Zimmermann, Spencer, Barbara (Thomas) Piesz, Naperville, Ill., and Bonnie (John) Raschka, Stevens Point; his grandchildren, Joshua, David, Skyler, Ashley, Jackson and Elena; one great-grandson, Brayden; his sister, Letha (Dee) Reif, Sextonville; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Payne and Audrey Payne; one brother-in-law, Harold Shireman; along with many other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, William, Rollin, and Donald; and two sisters, Beaulla Payne and Lucille Shireman.

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Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer assisted the family with arrangements.