Wayne Edward Kautz
May 6, 1947 ~ May 1, 2026
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota
Wayne Edward Kautz was born on May 6, 1947, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Edward and Viola Kautz. He was the second of four children and grew up on a farm near Wishek, North Dakota. Wayne began his education in a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Wishek High School in 1965.
In June of 1967, Wayne began his service in the Army National Guard. He later transferred to the United States Navy in September of 1968, serving until June of 1970. During his time in the Navy, he held the rank of E3 and was a plank owner on the USS Wichita (AOR-1), a distinction he carried with pride.
Wayne married Sharon Walz on December 14, 1968. The newlyweds began their life together in Lehr, North Dakota, before moving to Long Beach, California, during his military service. After completing his service, they returned briefly to Lehr before settling in Fargo, North Dakota, where they made their home for many years.
Wayne began his career as a truck driver, working for several companies before dedicating over 30 years to Midwest Motor Express and Yellow Freight. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family.
A man of deep faith, Wayne and his family were active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church and later Bethel Evangelical Free Church. In his free time, Wayne found great joy in woodworking. He crafted a wide variety of items, from finely turned pieces to furniture and small gifts, always eager to take on new projects that sparked his interest. He enjoyed sharing his creations with family and friends.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his sons, Mike (Reva) and Marty (Gina); and his four grandchildren, Sidney (Dylan), Ian, Ashley, and Alec. He is also survived by his siblings, Rey (Della), Lynette, and Andrea. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Viola Kautz.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center. Visitation will begin one hour prior at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HIA Heather’s Hospice House, in gratitude for the compassionate care provided to Wayne and the kindness shown to his family and friends.
Services
Visitation: Friday, May 29, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service: Friday, May 29, 2026 11:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com
Interment: Friday, June 5, 2026 12:00 pm
Fargo National Cemetery
8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20
Harwood, North Dakota 58042
(701) 451-4650
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/fargo.asp
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We have such wonderful memories of Wayne in our small group Bible study. Wayne loved to work with wood and we still have and use the beautiful ink pen he made for us. We recall our excursion to check out the Red River Diversion system and how much Wayne enjoyed seeing the system up close. We extend our deepest sympathy to Sharon and the family. We know that Wayne now rejoices with Jesus in endless praise of HIM.
Dennis and Tamra Gullickson