Gary Lee “Wig” Payne, 77 of Eastman, Wisconsin died suddenly in his home on Jan 2, 2023 with his wife Ann and a few loved ones by his side. He was born December 11, 1945 to Junior and Judy Payne.
Wig was an avid Wisconsin sports fan which isn’t surprising as he was a phenomenal athlete At Seneca High School and had a scholarship offer to play football upon graduating high school. He played on the Seneca Farmers softball team with many of the local “celebrities”. He loved hunting and the big group of guys that would get together to do drives, process deer, and share stories over a few Old Milwaukees. He was a hardworking man who spent most of his life as a farmer or working for Zabel Equipment and when he wasn’t working you could find him playing cards, driving around the farm in his cub, or driving down to copper creek, always with a smile.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, big heart, and steady presence and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife AnnaMarie (Harris), his children Gary(Marci) Payne, Brenda (Dave) Foley, and Greg Payne, 5 grandchildren Erica (Kyle) Boland, Tyler (Kate) and Trenton (Logan) Payne, Brent (Amber) Foley, and Courtney (Dylan)Lessard, siblings Dale (Rochelle Payne, Jim (Darlene) Bonnie (Butch) Vicki (Bernie) Deb (Lenny) and Rick, and 11 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy, sister in law Vicky Ryniec, brothers in law Pete Wilkinson, Bernie Linder, Bill Lane and Lloyde Fisher and great granddaughter Rylee Payne.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family with services.