Wayne W. Diller

Apr 25, 2022

Wayne, 88, moved to his heavenly home on April 25, 2022, joining his wife Reta, who passed away on Nov. 2, 2021. He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones with wonderful support from hospice nurses. We are extremely grateful for the attention and love he received from the staff at the extended care home where he lived for the last two years.

Born in Ohio to Vernon and Glada Diller, he was the oldest of three children. At an early age his family moved to a farm in the Fairview/Comins, Mich., area. After graduating from Fairview High, he married his high school sweetheart, Reta Ross. They were married for 67 years.

Wayne began his career as a medical intern/technician at a Michigan hospital and also worked a short time at the state psychiatric facility. Wayne and Reta moved to Alaska with their three children in 1966, with the intentions of homesteading and living off the land. Wayne worked several years as a medical technician for an Anchorage doctor and the family moved to Kenai, Alaska, in 1968, when a second office was opened there. Wayne commuted between the two offices and eventually the family relocated back to Anchorage in 1972. Wayne then switched careers and began working for Enstar Natural Gas Company, becoming lead warehouseman and retiring in 2000.

He enjoyed woodworking, tended a large greenhouse for many years, camping on the beach and looking for agates with his grandkids. While living in Kenai, he enjoyed moose hunting, fishing and snowmachining. Before moving from Kenai, he had begun taking flying lessons.

Wayne attended Cornerstone Church for over four decades, serving in various capacities. He was known for being a faithful prayer warrior, positively affecting the lives of many. He particularly enjoyed old time gospel songs. In his younger days, he played the harmonica and he sang in several men's quartets. Wayne was a man of few words, but with a witty, dry sense of humor. He was known for having a very compassionate and generous heart and enjoyed helping others in many ways, often behind the scenes.

Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Reta; parents, Vernon and Glada Diller; brother, Paul Diller; sister, Iris Short; and son-in-law, Duane Kauke. He is survived by his children, Denise Kauke, Beverly (Rick) Smith and David (Cindy) Diller; grandchildren, Jason, Jesse and Jeena Kauke, Emilee (Matt) Bydlon, Amanda Diller, Melissa (Isaac) Ruelas and Jeremy Diller; and great-grandchildren, Max Kauke, Kira and Levi Bydlon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cornerstone Church, Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were handled by the Cremation Society of Alaska.

A Celebration of Life service for both Wayne and Reta is scheduled for June 9, 2022, at Cornerstone Church in Anchorage, at 7 p.m.