Wayne Robert Looysen

Wayne Robert Looysen, 85, of Jamestown, ND, died peacefully of natural causes on August 13, 2011. He lived a life shaped by God's grace. Wayne was born on February 8, 1926, in Drake, North Dakota, the son of Ronald H. and Anna (Carlson) Stenseth Looysen.

Wayne graduated from Plaza High School in 1944. In July of 1944,Wayne enlisted in the US Navy. He served his country in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater through the end of World War II. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Wayne began a 41 year career with the Soo Line Railroad. He began employment as a telegraph operator and completed his career in the computer age.

On March 8, 1947, Wayne was united in marriage to the love of his life, Clarice Nadine Skarsgard, in Minot, ND. Initially, they resided in Drake, ND. While pursuing his career with the railroad, Wayne and his family resided in Emrick, Ambrose, Carpio, and Carrington, ND. Wayne retired from the Soo Line in Minot, ND, in 1987.

Wayne's interests were varied but focused primarily on service to others. Wayne was active in the American Legion serving as a public speaker and in many leadership roles. He was also a member of the 40-8, active in the Boy Scouts of America, and served on the school board and as a volunteer fireman in Carrington. Wayne's faith in Christ blessed many as he served as a Sunday school superintendent and Luther League advisor for many years in various communities.

Wayne's deepest joy was his family. Together by God's grace, Wayne and Clarice raised seven children. Their joy increased with the birth of each additional family member - totaling 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Sadly, Clarice died on May 2, 1998.

Reliance on God through the years was Wayne's greatest legacy. Grateful to be a part of this legacy are his seven surviving children: Roger (Cheryl) Looysen, Hamilton, MT; Colleen (Duane) Anderson, Minot, ND; David (Marsha) Looysen, Minot, ND; Steven (Barbara) Looysen, Jamestown, ND; James (Susan) Looysen, Lake Wylie, SC; Kari (Mark) Miller, Crookston, MN; and Kristen (Jeffrey) Teeples, Hawley, MN; his 20 grandchildren: Kara (John) Eickman, Kristi (Eammon) Bryers, Robert Looysen; Nadine (Steve) Butts, Nathan (Brandy) Anderson; Michael and Ryan Looysen; Tyler and Alex Looysen; Kayla, Scott, Rachel, and Amber Looysen; Samuel, Jonathan, Anna and Grace Miller; and David, Eric, and Philip Teeples; 8 great grandchildren: Lucas, Anika, and Marcus Butts; Ian and Alex Eickman; Eligh and Caoimhe Bryers; and Blaise Anderson; as well as many nieces and nephews and families; and dear friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Clarice; his parents, Ronald and Anna; his siblings, Stanley, LaVerne, June, Dale, Helen, Genevieve, and Donnazae.

For the past 2 ½ years, Wayne had been a resident in the Special Care Unit at Eventide Hi-Acres Manor. His children wish to express deep gratitude for the many kindnesses and compassionate care Wayne received while a resident at the Manor.

The service celebrating the life of Wayne Looysen will be at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 19, at Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown, ND with lunch to follow. A Graveside Burial Service with Military Honors will take place in Minot, ND, at Rosehill Cemetery, on Friday, August 19, at 4 p.m. The Graveside Service is open to family and friends. There will be a Visitation 9-8 Thursday at the funeral home, family will call on friends from 5-7; followed by a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Haut Funeral Home, 1101 5th Avenue NE, Jamestown, ND on Thursday, August 18