Wayne U.

DeBruin

Wayne U. DeBruin, Town of Center, age 85, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. He was born in Little Chute on September 24, 1941, to the late Bernard and Margaret (Hopfensperger) DeBruin. Wayne married Linda (Butler) Hofacker on February 25, 1999. She passed away on February 20, 2025, after almost 26 happy and fun filled years together. Wayne owned and operated Wayne DeBruin Trucking for many years. He also served as the Town of Center Supervisor and Chairman. A man of self-contradiction, gruff exterior with a heart of gold, Wayne could fix anything and was always willing to lend a hand. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Parish in Appleton.

Wayne is survived by his daughter: Sarah (Randy) Van Camp; granddaughters: Amanda (Cory) Vanden Boogaard and Allison (Ethan) Neuman; and great grandchildren: Emery, Harper, and Rowan; siblings: Marvin DeBruin and Carol Lemke; special nephew, Dan (Linda) DeBruin and their daughter Eryn. He is further survived by additional nieces and nephews: Annette Peters, Randy Lemke, Debbie (Jim) Lang, and Andy (Beth) DeBruin; great nieces and nephew: Holly Schweitzer, Levi DeBruin, and Carolyn DeBruin; other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; sister-in-law, Catherine DeBruin; niece, Patty (Jim) Schweitzer; nephew-in-law, Mark Peters; and good friends: Robert Nussbaum, Rene Grode, and Frank Reetz.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, at St. Joseph Parish (404 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton) from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. His Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Br. Ray Stadmeyer, O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Military Honors will immediately follow. Committal will be on a future date at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.