Wayne Greener

Wayne Arlie Greener quietly passed away at the age of 92 on May 5th at home on his beloved farm in rural Foley, MN. He was born in 1932 to Lois (Rookstool) and Orie Greener in Minneapolis, MN, the fourth of six children. Through his younger years, the family resided in Minnetonka. In 1946, they left the city to pursue farm life in rural Foley. Wayne quickly caught his life’s calling, cultivating the rich, black soil and caring for dairy heifers.

During his high school years, Wayne was introduced to faith in Jesus Christ, as well as the love of his life, Jean. He graduated from Foley High School in 1950. Wayne and Jean wed in 1953, beginning their 66 years of marriage covenant. They resided on their humble dairy farm, apart from Wayne’s brief military service in the U.S. army from 1954-1956. Together, Wayne and Jean faithfully raised six children, modeling and teaching them the value of hard work and what it meant to love your neighbor and love God. In 1981, Wayne entered a dairy-farm partnership with his son, Lonnie, that spanned nearly four decades.

Aside from his passion for farming, faith and family defined Wayne. He exuded quiet strength and servant leadership, teaching Sunday school and serving over the decades on the church elder board. Wayne understood how to love people, especially over coffee and doughnuts. His kind-hearted, quick-witted, compassionate spirit could crack through any surface and dig deep, subtly imparting his wealth of white-haired wisdom. His greatest desire was for his children (spouses), grandchildren and great grandchildren (who dearly loved him) to know and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

Survivors include children Tim (Becki) Greener of Louisville, KY, Wendy (Bryan) Johnson of Foley, MN, Jennifer Greener of St. Cloud, MN, Lonnie (Mary) Greener of Foley, MN, and Julie (Robert) Vance of Farmington, IA; 17 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; siblings Sandra Hodnefield of St. Augusta, MN and Terry (Gini) Greener of South Haven, MN.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; daughter Jody Oleen; granddaughter Brittany Greener; parents; siblings Betty, Arlene, and Lant.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11 AM at Milaca Evangelical Free Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at Milo Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 9:30 - 11 AM at the church on Friday.