November 8, 1947 - May 23, 2018

Wayne Lee Subrt, 70, of Sarona, WI (formerly of Rice Lake, WI and Janesville, WI) passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at home surrounded by his close family after a courageous battle with cancer.

 He was born on November 8th, 1947 in Rice Lake, WI to Phillip and Ida Subrt.  He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1965 and later attended college at UW-Whitewater and Blackhawk Technical College.  He was drafted into the Army and served his country in Vietnam as a TO / Spec 4 with the 1st 82nd Artillery for eighteen months 1969-1970. He married the love of his life, Rita Becker, on July 28, 1973 and this would have been their 45th anniversary year.   They made a home in Janesville, WI and raised two children: Tara and Kate. He worked at General Motors and retired after 34 years of service.  He also had a short stint as a state patrol officer in the early 80s but decided it wasn’t his calling.  After a few years into retirement, he also worked part-time as a firearms specialist at Gander Mountain in the firearms department. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, it was his passion, and the outdoors was truly his church.  After moving to the Spooner area in 2014, he also taught hunter’s safety. He loved westerns, mysteries, history and was an avid reader.  His greatest joys were his grandchildren.

 He is survived by his loving wife, steadfast companion and caregiver: Rita; two daughters: Tara (Chris) Boyette (Menomonie, WI) and Kate (Brian) Hommen (Elkhorn, WI); four grandchildren: Jake and Josh Boyette, Savanna and Cash Hommen; brother: Don (Mary) Subrt (Birchwood, WI); one uncle: Mat (Sue) Walker, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents: Phillip Subrt and Ida Finnerty, his grandparents and many other loved ones.

 Special thanks to the Mercy Regional Cancer Center in Janesville, WI, Dr. Shikhani, radiation therapists and nurses to help him through his first round of cancer in 2012.  When his cancer reoccurred in 2017, he turned to the Eau Claire Mayo Luther-Middlefort Cancer Center.  Thanks to Drs. Batoo, James and Kanj and the amazing nurses for their tender care.  In his final months, he found refuge at home with the dedicated care of Hospice for which we are forever thankful.

 Interment will be a private service at the Northwestern Wisconsin Veteran Cemetery in Spooner, WI. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Regional Hospice Services, 819 Ash Street, Spooner, WI 54801

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:45 pm CST