Wayne Robert Farnberg

At the age of 97, Wayne was called to his heavenly home on October, 29, 2025. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

Wayne and twin brother Blaine were born December 10,1927 in Long Prairie, MN to Effie and Carl Farnberg. From the age of 15 he lived in Redwood Falls, MN where he graduated from high school. Wayne and Blaine were best friends and had a twin bond that was very strong and continued throughout the years until Blaine died in 2005. ln their youth, both boys had a strong love for the outdoors and adventure. They channeled this energy into Boy Scouts where Wayne and Blaine both received the distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

After high school in 1946, Wayne and Blaine enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWll and the Air Force during the Korean War. Wayne loved military life. His passion eventually led him to the Army Reserve where he served as legal counsel. After 30 years of military service, he retired as a Colonel in the Jag Corp Army Legal Branch. Wayne had no regrets in life, but if he had to choose one thing, he would have become a pilot in the US Air Force.

Wayne would go on to attend and graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN in 1952. lt was here that he would meet his future wife, Dorothy Bugge-

Newly married, Wayne worked for Mutual Service as an insurance adjuster. He also spent evenings attending William Mitchell Law School where he received a law degree in 1958.

The couple eventually settled in Redwood Falls where Wayne opened a private law practice. They raised three children in the town where his parents and Blaine and family resided. Wayne eventually was appointed as Redwood County Judge. He held this position until retiring in 1990. Wayne would continue working as a part-time judge in northern Minnesota until 2014.

Wayne and Dorothy relocated to Alexandria, MN. They lived in a home on Lake Darling for 40 years before moving to Grand Arbor Senior Apartments. Family, friends, neighbors, coffee group, and men's bible study would keep him busy throughout the years. He was a member of Lions Club, Kiwanis, and Calvary Lutheran Church.

Most retirement days were filled with fishing. Wayne and his son John would spend endless hours throughout the years fishing on the chain of lakes in Alexandria. They also enjoyed their annual fishing trips to Canada and hunting trips to the Dakotas.

A special trip and recognition took place in May 2019 when Wayne participated in the Honor Flight for service veterans in Washington DC.

Wayne always had a love for the "Old Country" meaning Norway/Sweden from which his ancestors had lived. He was fascinated with Nordic history, relatives and their food. Christmas tradition involved eating lutefisk, which was by far Wayne's favorite food. He claims to have had this special food every year since birth. ln addition, his continual litany of Ole/Lena jokes would have friends and family laughing/groaning with him endlessly.

Wayne is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Karen (Brian) McClellan of Fargo, ND, Sandy (Mark) Reichel of Bloomington, MN, John (Robin) Farnberg of Alexandria, MN and five grandchildren: Matt McClellan, Christie (Lucas Rutten) McClellan, Kelly (Matt) Marek, Charlie Reichel, and John Reichel. Wayne had formed a fun bond with John and Robin's grandchildren Abby, Melissa and Hunter.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Grand Arbor for their exceptionally kind compassionate and loving care of Wayne throughout the years. And a special "thank you" to St. Croix Hospice for their care these past few months.

Day is done, gone the sun

From the lake, from the hill, from the sky.

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.