Wayne Schoon

Wayne Schoon, age 90, of Ortonville, MN, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Pastor Richard Larson will officiate the service and interment will be at Holden Lutheran Church Cemetery near Beardsley, MN.

Wayne Laverne Schoon was born on September 24, 1933, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Carl and Lillian (Klinger) Schoon. When Wayne was six years old, the family relocated to the Beardsley, MN, area. He attended school through eighth grade in Rural School District #8 Foster Township of Big Stone County, MN, and attended Morris Ag School in Morris, MN.

Wayne began working alongside Vince Stegner in 1954. Together, they farmed, raised beef cattle, and sold everything from feed to machinery. Vince played a huge role in Wayne’s life and this partnership ignited his love of farming. He was a boss, a mentor, and their relationship evolved into one of his greatest friendships. His commitment to agriculture was a testament to his unwavering work ethic and love for the land.

On February 5, 1955, Wayne was united in marriage with Ethel Gustafson. Together, they were blessed with two children and made their home near Ortonville, MN.

A man of faith, Wayne was a long-standing member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he actively participated in various church activities including serving on the church council, doing snow removal, and ushering. His involvement in the church was a reflection of his deep-rooted values and his desire to serve his community.

Beyond his work and church commitments, Wayne found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, evening country drives, antiquing, machinery and Western movies. Wayne was known for giving sound advice and always prioritized his family, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ethel (Gustafson) Schoon of Ortonville, MN; two children: Cindy (Jim) Nelson of Ortonville, MN; and Dave (Merry) Schoon of Ortonville, MN; four grandchildren: Brandon (Heather) Nelson, Joshua (Kylene) Nelson, Amanda Exferd, and Holly (Franky) Koval; one step-granddaughter, Candace Wilson; nine great-grandchildren: Morgan Exferd, Olivia Nelson, Kevin Nelson, Alayna Nelson, Brianna Nelson, Addison Koval, Ayden Nelson, Aria Koval, and Emma Koval; one step-great-grandson, Daniel Pond; brothers: Roy (Virginia) Schoon and Herb (Barb) Schoon; sister, Carol (Bill) Ulrich; sister-in-law, Sally Gustafson; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents; mother and father-in-law, Cynthia and Irwin Gustafson; great-nephew, Daniel Schoon; sister-in-law, Laura Marshall; and brothers-in-law: Vern Marshall and Duane Gustafson.

In lieu of flowers, the family preferred donations in Wayne’s name go to the Big Stone Area Food Shelf, the Ortonville Trap Shoot Team, Holden Lutheran Church Cemetery, or Zion Lutheran Church.