In Loving Memory
Wayne Francis Horkheimer was born on December 10, 1950, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Rita Ann (Lorenz) Horkheimer and Louis Joseph Horkheimer. He passed away on July 19, 2024, at the age of 73. In accordance with his wishes, Wayne will be cremated, and no formal services will be held.
Wayne spent his early years working on the family dairy farm, where, at just 5½ years old, he endured a broken leg in the hay field. He began his education at the Seven Mile School, a one-room country schoolhouse, where he shared his formative years with his siblings. He later attended seventh and eighth grade at the public school in Prairie du Chien, followed by Campion Jesuit High School, where he worked diligently to pay his tuition.
Wayne built a distinguished career as an Auditor and Management Analyst with the Federal Government, serving for 26½ years. His work took him across the United States and included six years of assignments in Panama and Honduras. After a total of 30 years of dedicated service, Wayne retired from the U.S. Government on April 1, 2006. He then pursued his passion for ranching, which he began in 1992 in Killeen, Texas, and continued in 1997 in Maysfield, Texas.
After high school, Wayne attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Business, and Economics. He proudly served in the United States Army for 3½ years, completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His service included two years stationed in Nelligen, Germany, and 1½ years at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he specialized as a Budget Specialist. While serving at Fort Bliss, Wayne also earned his master’s degree.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Aracelly (Lopez) Horkheimer; his son, Trevor Horkheimer, and his wife, Priscilla; his three sisters, Joan Christie of Omaha, Nebraska; Barbara Neises (Chris) of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; and Lorita Horkheimer of Hazleton, Iowa; and two brothers, Dwight Horkheimer of Alexandria, Virginia, and Richard Horkheimer of Daytona, Florida. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.