Wayne Roger Stavenes, Thief River Falls, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 14, 2022, with his loving family by his side.

Memorial service will be at 4 PM Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Chapel, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 3 to 4 PM at Johnson Funeral Chapel, Thief River Falls, MN.

Burial will be at a later date.

On November 8, 1950, Wayne was born to Basil and Eunice (Haugtvedt) Stavenes in Greenbush, MN.  He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Grygla, MN.  Wayne spent his early life on the family farm near Grygla and attended school in Grygla, MN.  He was united in marriage to Marilyn Askeland, to this marriage were born Stephen and Sarah.  Wayne was later married to Geraldine (Geri) Paulson on December 20, 1986 (Celebrating 36 years of marriage!), in Red Lake Falls, MN.  Wayne worked at various jobs, before starting "Stavenes Ditching" in 1997, where he took great pride in his excavation work with his CAT Challenger doing ditching.  In 2015, Wayne began his battle with medical conditions. He was supported by his family and friends throughout the past seven years.

Wayne had a passion for horseback riding and working with his horses, especially Scout, Tonka, Beauty and Prince. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, ATV Trail riding, and snowmobiling.  He also enjoyed camping with his family and friends, road trips with his wife, and playing cards with his friends.  Wayne always included his family in all of his projects and adventures.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Geri (Geraldine), Thief River Falls, MN; children, Stephen (Stacy), Red Lake Falls, MN, Kelly (Jose), Pasco, WA, Sarah (Eric) Thief River Falls, MN, Sheena (Justin), Thief River Falls, MN, and Bruce, Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren: Alexis, Katelyn, Mason, Skylar, Ethan, Peyton, Ariana, Millie, Jaxon, Logan and Huxley; one great-grandson, Angel; Siblings: Joyce (Brad) Barth, Goodridge, MN and Terry (Becky) Stavenes, Thief River Falls, MN; several cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Rodney and Randy; and grandchildren: Isaac and Hunter.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com