Wayne Leroy Paige

Wayne Leroy Paige was born April 1, 1933, and died July 31, 2026. He was the sixth of seven sons born to Virgil A. and Myrtle C. (Bloxham) Paige. He married Marlene Ann Guhl on July 16, 1950. They were blessed with four children, Jack, Christie, Paul and Thomas.

Wayne attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake on a baseball scholarship. After college graduation his work career was primarily in farm real estate and other agriculture-related sales areas.

Wayne was a proud resident of Dike. He served on the city council and served as mayor.

The most important things in Wayne's life were faith, family and friends. Perhaps baseball should be added to that list. He was a standout pitcher at Buena Vista College where he acquired the nickname Satchel; he was inducted into the Buena Vista Hall of Fame.

Wayne was a born-again Christian who was very confident and comfortable in his faith.

Wayne has come full circle. He passed away at his home in Dike which was less than a block away from the house where he was born. Even with dementia taking a toll, Wayne remained upbeat and always had a ready quip or humorous remark for visitors. To the very end he delighted in reciting the Emily Dickinson poem, "There is No Frigate Like a Book," which he memorized as a young boy at Dike Community School.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Myrtle; grandson Nathan Jeffrey Paige; brothers/wives Lawrence and Ruth; Charles and Rosella; John and Marlys; Vernon and Bev; Clarence (Dane) and Shirley; and, brother Donald. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Marlene; his children Jack (Lisa); Christie (Garry); Paul and Thomas (Kendra); 15 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces and sister-in-law Carolyn Paige of Texas.

There will be a visitation Tuesday, August 4, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, Dike. A private family interment will take place Wednesday, August 5, followed by a funeral service at Liberty Baptist Church in Dike at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be survived at Dike Community Center following the funeral service.