Wayne Barbknecht

WAYNE BARBKNECHT, age 84 of rural Janesville passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.

Born on August 9, 1940 in Waseca, Minnesota, he was the son of Helmuth and Clara (Klinger) Barbknecht. He attended school in rural Waseca County before graduating from Waseca Central High School in 1958. Wayne married Rosanne Hager on August 26, 1961 in Medford.

Wayne was a farmer through and through—hardworking and dedicated to the land that he bought in 1974. He took pride in the farm he built and the challenges that he overcame. The land wasn’t just where he worked; it was how he lived. He was an antique tractor enthusiast and enjoyed tractor restoration. He loved spending time with his family and gatherings on the farm. In recent years, Wayne enjoyed Ranger rides around the farm and neighborhood with Rosanne and his beloved dog, Barney.

He is survived by his wife, Rosanne; four children, Lisa (Lyle) Groskreutz of Eagle Lake, James (Rae Lynn Hall) Barbknecht, Julie (Matthew) Hanson of Dover, NH, and Suzanne Barbknecht of Port Charlotte, FL; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Donald (Barb) Barbknecht of Monmouth, OR and Rosanne’s siblings, Dennis (Becky) Hager, Gene (Tena) Hager, Susie (Donald) Redman, Sandy Sutlief, and Debbie Halblieb; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Hager, Donna Hager, Betty Hager, and Loretta Ratajcsyk.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William; one brother, Lester (Sue) Barbknecht; Rosanne’s siblings, Loretta (Vernon) Schwartz, Helen (Willard) Karsten, Lucille Hager, Mary Jean Hager, John Hager, Neil Hager, Donald Hager, David Hager, Louis (Harriet) Hager, and Paul Hager; and brothers-in-law, David Sutlief and Mark Halblieb.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 4-7 PM at the State Street Chapel of Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue on Thursday, one hour before services at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the State Street Chapel of Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.