On Sunday, September 4, 2016, Wayne E. Hestekin, age 65, of Pigeon Falls entered the gardens of eternal life surrounded by family and many friends and colleagues. He was my best friend and a great friend to all whom he had the pleasure of meeting during his life here on earth. We all have an immense love for him and he will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy; his son, Keith; his daughter-in-law, Anika and his grandson, Orion.

His passing due to terminal infection that the source of could not be determined by medical staff at Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN will leave a deep empty spot in the hearts of all of us who knew him.

Wayne was a father figure to many young people in his life that continued to be extended family throughout the years. His impact on the lives of others is beyond words. His best friends were like his brothers and sisters. Wayne was a compassionate, kind, meticulous teacher to all of us, with the patience of a rock.

Every day was a good day filled with activities that he loved. His hobbies of playing guitar and other instruments, Harley riding, drone flying, car collecting, woodworking, gardening, deer hunting, lefse making, pedal car and tractor restoration, farming, welding and fabrication fit his life motto that he "could fix anything but a broken heart".

On August 1, 1995, Wayne and his partners, Brian Steig and Dale Hestekin purchased R&S Stainless Inc. which he served as president of the corporation that was known to many far and wide as Badger Stainless Inc. in Pigeon Falls, WI. Wayne was a gentle leader and wanted his employees and clients to be a part of his circle of life.

Wayne was a past member of the Pigeon Falls Lions Club and the Pigeon Falls Fire Department.

Wayne was born on February 12, 1951 to Ervin and Evangeline (Kolve) Hestekin of rural Independence in Whitehall. He married Kathleen Killian of Independence on October 27, 1973 in Independence.

In addition to his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Wayne is survived by his mother, Evangeline; eight siblings, Rodney (Betty) Hestekin, Warren (Patricia) Hestekin, Audrey (Galen) Aase, Larry Hestekin, Carol Hollister, Diane (Robert) Konkel, Dean (Jill) Hestekin and Dale (Carolyn) Hestekin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Ann (Anton) Konkel, Daniel Killian, Bernard (Ellen) Killian and Steve (Amanda) Killian; nieces and nephews and their children; special friends, Fermin Leon and his wife, Mariana and their three children, Dave and Kay Larimore, his brother, Dale, Bridget Gagas, Barb Schank, John Spencer, Paul Franson, Kermit Hanvold, Ivan Semingson and many others who gave him much support over the past years.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Ervin.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery both in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Mary Ann Bowman will officiate.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.