On Saturday, February 8, 2020, Wayne Frederick Burghoffer, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at age 91.
Wayne was born on January 9, 1929 in Centerville, IA to Benjamin and Thelma (Conner) Burghoffer. He received his bachelor's degree from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and he shared his love of music as a band director in south central Iowa for over 40 years. On May 30, 1959, he married Zelda Irene Curtis. They raised one daughter, Fredericka, and two sons, Matthew and Wade.
Wayne was known as a man of faith and a loving Christian throughout his life. He enjoyed engaging in ministry work and sharing his faith with others. He had an avid passion for big band music and playing his trombone. Fishing was a favorite past time for him and telling big fish stories was a close second. He also loved working in his gardens, and was known for his bountiful harvests. Wayne was a sports fan, loved playing cards and board games with his family, and solving crossword puzzles. He always had a joke to share and enjoyed making others laugh.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father Benjamin, his mother Thelma, his brother George, and sister Beth. He is survived by his wife Zelda, his sister Nancy, his three children Fredericka, Matthew (Rachel), and Wade (Tirza), his grandchildren Leah, Thaddeus, and Amyl, and his great-granddaughters Ayden and Cate, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the Southern Hills Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 420 Watrous Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315 at 2:30 pm.