Wayne J. Flury

Source: La Crosse Tribune

FOOTVILLE, Wis. -- After a valiant journey with health issues, Wayne J. Flury, age 86, of rural Footville passed away on February 26 at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. Wayne, the oldest of 7 children, was born on April 11, 1937, to Jacob and Dorothy Flury in Winona,Minnesota. Wayne's childhood was set in rural Buffalo County, West Central Wisconsin, where he developed a passion and respect for nature and agriculture. His love of farming and the outdoors remained a prominent focus throughout his life.

He began his educational journey at Hillside Elementary School in Waumandee and graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School in 1955. Upon graduation from high school, Wayne continued his education for the next two years at Buffalo County Teachers College in Alma. He then graduated from UW Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science degree and from Winona State University with a Master of Arts in educational leadership.

On November 14, 1959, he married Charlene Beth Agnew at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Wayne's 45-year career in education began in Galesville, Wisconsin, where he taught for one year. His interest in school leadership led him to accept a five-year teaching principalship position in Footville, Wisconsin. In 1963 he continued his career in education as an elementary principal in the Janesville School District. Wayne retired from the Janesville School District in 1998 having served as principal at Rock, Happy Hollow, Hillcrest, Grant, Madison, and Harrison Elementary Schools. He then acted as the principal of Albrecht Elementary School in Brodhead, Wisconsin for an additional three years.

Upon retiring from the educational field, Wayne and Char were considered "Super Grandparents" supporting their two grandchildren by attending their countless activities and events.

During his life, Wayne was committed to giving back to the community through his involvement in a variety of organizations. He was a member of the Parkview School District Board, Footville Village Board, Salvation Army Board, Wisconsin Hereford Association, Rock County Beef Producers, Center 4-H beef leader, Rock County 4-H Fair Board member for twenty-eight years, and President of the Rock County 4-H Fair for eighteen years.

Wayne was the recipient of Administrator of the Year for the Janesville School District in 1997-98. He and Char received a conservation award of distinction in 2002 for stewardship of their property in Buffalo County. In 2010, Wayne was inducted into the Rock County Hall of Honor for significant contributions to Rock County and its people.

Wayne is survived by his loving daughters, Lori Flury and Jennifer (Gabe) Fieiras of Janesville; two grandchildren, Jacob and Claudia Fieiras; Wayne's brothers and sisters: Jon (Diane Parr) Flury, Jim Lieberman, Cheyenne (Duane) Poeschel, Cynthia Flury-Stone, Nancy Flury, and Juan Flury; seven nieces; and two nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, Jay Flury; and his sister, Karen Lieberman.

A Celebration of Life gathering, honoring Wayne, will take place on March 14 from 4:00 -- 7:00 pm at The Barn on Prairie, 5828 S Cty Rd G, Janesville, WI.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. -- Maya Angelo

SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

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