Wayne Bautch

Wayne Bautch, a veteran of the Berlin Crisis and longtime resident of Arcadia, passed away suddenly on April 26, 2025. Bucky, as he was known to many in the area, was born July 30, 1942, to Ben Bautch and Anna Bautch, née Fonfara. He attended Arcadia High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

On June 9, 1973, he married his 'bride', Jane Bautch, née Bergmann and together had two children, Heidi and Christina. Married for 52 years, they enjoyed traveling the world or just going for rides to take in the countryside. Family was Buck's pride and joy. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren playing games, watching their extracurricular activities and playing tricks on them.

Bucky loved the outdoors, which included gardening, fishing, hunting, and foraging. If it wasn't the right time of day for any of those activities, he enjoyed just sitting outside, listening to his oldies but goodies music. He was an avid outdoorsman and had a season for everything from morel mushroom picking to fishing and everything in between. Everyone knew he would never give up his secret hot spots, but almost always gave away his bounty.

Having never met a stranger, one of his gifts was his ability to put everyone at ease and to connect and converse with anyone. We will always cherish the memories of his kind heart, sense of humor, knack for storytelling, and care for others. He will be profoundly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Bautch of Arcadia; daughters, Heidi (Tom) Pierzina of Onalaska, Christina (Rob) Marvel of Smyrna, GA; grandchildren, Tanner (Briana) Pierzina, Caden Pierzina, Anna Pierzina and Bennett Marvel; brother, Gerald (Jack) Bautch of Arcadia; sister, Barbara (Keith) Cilley of Woodbury, MN; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Anna Bautch; and his sister, Ruth (Len) Pierzyna.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home with Reverend Kyle Laylan officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 9:30 until the time of the service. Wayne will be laid to rest in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by the Tickfer-Erickson American Legion Post 17. Following the burial, family and friends are welcome for a luncheon at the Arcadia Country Club. To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.