Obituary of Wayne J. Willenborg

NORTH LIBERTY, IOWA

Wayne “Shorty” Willenborg, 69, passed away on October 14, 2023, at the University Hospital, Iowa City.  

Born on March 30, 1954, the fourth son of Bernard and Joan (Bohlke) Willenborg. He attended St. Francis Xavier grade school before the family moved to Dubuque.  He graduated from Hempstead High School in 1973 and was on the school’s wrestling team.  

He married Pamela Meyer on October 14, 1977, in a ceremony in Dubuque. They divorced years later.  He later moved to North Liberty where he worked for a Coca-Cola company and later retired from Centro Inc. in 2019.  

Wayne enjoyed collecting memorabilia, playing pool and bowling, trips to the casinos and watching old movies. He loved watching his favorite football team the Miami Dolphins and could always be seen in the team’s attire. He loved spending time with friends Rich O’Leary, Jim Babka, and his oldest and dearest friend Linda Gegenheimer and her family.  

He is survived by a daughter, Dawn (Chris) Streets of Asbury; grandchildren, Lauren, Lexi, Max; brothers: Russ (Sandy) of Tampa, FL., Ric (Bec) of Dyersville, Marty (Alana) Swisher; a sister, Tina (Al Foht) of Dubuque; ten nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his nephew, Nicholas Zenner, and aunts and uncles. 

A private family service will be held later this month with inurnment at the St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, Iowa.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.