Graveside services for Wayne R. Brickner of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on
Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00am at the Hay Springs Cemetery. Due to Wayne’s
wishes, there will not be a funeral service, only a graveside service.
Wayne R. Brickner passed away Saturday morning, August 1, 2015 at his home. He
leaves his wife, Loretta Brickner (Wiltse) of 62 years; a daughter, Evelyn Brickner and
husband John Hofer; two sons, Steven Brickner married to Gail Brickner (Selstrom),
and Justin Brickner married to Sue Brickner (Alberts); four grandchildren, Alicia Letterly
married to Seth Letterly, Joshua Brickner, Hadley Brickner, and Annie Brickner; two
great-grandchildren, Makenna Letterly and Jaxon Letterly. He is survived by his brother,
Joe Brickner and predeceased by his brother Dale Brickner, his parents and friends.
Wayne was born September 22, 1928. He lived on the same ranch east of Chadron,
Nebraska all his life, first with his parents and then with his family. Farming and
ranching was his life’s work, except for the two years he served with the 101st Airborne
Division as a paratrooper. He attended a country school near his home and graduated
from Hay Springs High School. He met his wife on a 3-day pass with his buddy and they
were married May 10th, 1953 in Ithica, Michigan.
He served on the Rural Fire Board in Chadron several years. He was on the school
board and was a Deacon at Zion Lutheran Church. Wayne was an avid hunter of deer
and elk in Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana. He became a gunsmith and built several
rifles for himself, his sons, grandson, and friends. He loved and cherished his wife and
family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Zion Lutheran Church or the
Chadron Volunteer Rural Fire Department. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain
Drabbels Mortuary, PO Box 443, Hay Springs, NE 69347.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.