Wayne Sidney Emberland

Wayne S. Emberland, age 83, of Willmar, passed away Tuesday, August 11, from an apparent heart attack.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, at Calvary Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Wayne Sidney Emberland was born on April 7, 1943, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Severin and Eleanor Ruth (Skare) Emberland. He grew up in the Willmar community and graduated from Willmar High School in 1961. On January 13, 1965, Wayne entered the U.S. Army and later transferred to the U.S. Air Force and served his country. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, E-9 in the USAF, a treasured accomplishment. On October 7, 1967, at Swedlanda Lutheran Church near Hector, Minnesota, Wayne was united in marriage to Lynette Marie Larson and they made their home in Willmar. Wayne was employed by Kandiyohi Power Coop and later Excel Energy as a High Voltage Electric Lineman for over 41 years.

Throughout his entire life, Wayne continued serving his community. He assisted our area Veteran’s as a part-time van driver for the Kandiyohi County Veteran’s Service Office. He was an active member of the Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post #167 in Willmar, where he served as a Past Legion Commander, on various other Legion Boards “committees” and was the Military Honor Guard Captain for over 45 years (with the grateful assistance of his wife, Lynette). He was a member of the Sons of Norway, Cloverleaf Cemetery Board, Life member of the American Legion, Disabled America Veterans, 40 & 8, and the Air Force Sergeants Association. Wayne was also an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church and served as a church council member and Saturday chapel usher for over 12 years.

Wayne’s hobbies were antique tractors and farming. His “Happy Place” was his hobby farm and where he spent his last day. He cherished family trips, raising his two sons, and being with his four grandchildren. Wayne would want everyone to abide by the Golden Rule……”Treat people the same way you want to be treated”.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lynette; his two sons, Mark (and Heather) Emberland of St. Cloud and Jon (and Heidi) Emberland of LaQuinta, CA.; and his four beloved grandchildren, Grace, Aubrey, Elena and Grant. Also surviving are two siblings, Donald (and Mary) Emberland of Maple Grove and Diane (and Mike) Vosika of Willmar; and sisters in law, Leila Larson, Carolyn (and Steve) Karnik, Beverly Emberland, Sandy Emberland, Karen Emberland McManimen (Mike) and Patricia Emberland Ashley; Many nieces and nephews, besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Roy, Gayle, James and Richard; two nephews, Douglas Emberland and Steven Emberland; one niece, Paula Emberland in infancy, and in-laws, Carl and Helen Larson.