Vernard “Wayne” Hunt, 78, of Denton, passed away Aug. 15, 2022, in Crete.
Wayne was born Dec. 22, 1943, to Vernard and Arvilla (Nestle) Hunt. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1962. He attended Milford Tech School and studied mechanics. In 1963, he married Diana Hornby and to this union, Kelle and Doug were born. In 1975, he married Caren Burianek and gained three daughters Darcy, Jennie and Amy. Together, they built their own home west of Denton, for which he was very proud. Wayne and Caren were recognized with an award at Wilber Czech Days for their many years of sponsorship of the dance contests. Wayne was the recipient of the Knights of Blanik award at Wilber Czech Days in 1998. Caren passed away in 1999.
On June 30, 2001, he married Teresa (Rowe) Walker after meeting her at church during pictures for the directory. He was an avid mechanic and put his mechanical skills to use working on stock cars and at various companies. His last place of employment was Cornhusker International, where he retired from in 2012. Wayne was very family oriented and enjoyed time with his family roller-skating, swimming, playing board games and hosting family reunions. Diana passed away in 2006. Wayne had a great love for animals, especially his horses and many dogs. Later in life, he discovered his passion for dancing and traveling. Wayne was an elder at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Both Wayne and Teresa were active in the church, participating in bell choir and volunteering as coffee hosts and greeters. They enjoyed traveling with PO.L.K. of A., their annual Polka fests and Wilber Czech Days Festival.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; children, fur babies Mickey and Justice, Darcy (Roger) Hinrichsen of Verdon, Kelle (Brad) Hunt-Anderson of Kearney, Jennie Burianek of Lincoln, Kim (Don) Frost of Kearney, Amy Paul of Lincoln, Doug Hunt of Lincoln, Amy (John) Ham of Lincoln, and J.W. (Tonia) Walker of Lincoln; 27 grandchildren, Tanya, Troy, Terra, Tiffany, Renee, Misty, L.J., Tiffani, Bethany, Shelbie, Ben, Wyatt, Andrew H., Andrew W., Kyle, Izzy, Isiah, Colby, Riley, Lexie, Emma, Graydon, Josie, Wesley, Colton, Lynley and Olivia; 15 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Everett, Madison, Carter, Carson, Maelynn, Nash, granddaughter on the way, William, Brandon, Zoie, Zendaya, Caden, Rayna, Beaux; mother-in-law, Dorothy Rowe; sisters-in-law, Audrey Hunt, Rosemary Hunt, Bev (Marvin) Sasek and brother-in-law, Harlan Rowe; extended Minnesota family; extended family from his marriages to Diana and Caren, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernard and Arvilla (Nestle) Hunt; siblings, Delbert (Audrey) Hunt, Lyle (Rosemary) Hunt and Arlene (Gerald) Olsen; grandson, Alex Luethke; great-grandson, Greyson Shubert; and mother-in-law, Ruth Kalkwarf; and former spouses, Caren Hunt and Diana Burianek.
A graveside service was Aug. 20 at Riverside Cemetery in Crete. A funeral service will be Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Capital Humane Society in Lincoln or Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. Condolences may be left for the family at www.kunclfh.com.
