Wayne was born November 19, 1925 in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He moved to Poplar Bluff, during his high school years, where he met his wife, Laverne. They were married for 65 years. Wayne attended Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. where he was studying pre-med. During their time there, Laverne’s dad passed and he and Laverne came home to take care of his mother-in-law. After a time, Wayne became a pipefitter and moved the family to Espanola, New Mexico, where he lived with their first born, David, for two years. The family moved to Denver, Colo., where they lived for 18 years. They had two more boys while living in Denver, Michael and Brett Ristig. In 1969, Wayne moved the family to Anchorage, Alaska, where they lived for 40 years. Wayne worked on the Alaskan Pipeline before retiring at age 70. Wayne moved back home to Poplar Bluff so Laverne could be with her family, shortly after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Laverne passed in 2011, at the age of 86. In 2013, Wayne moved to Orange County, Calif., where he resided at The Town & Country Manor in Santa Ana until his death, 1/21/21.
Wayne lived a full life, at times a difficult one, but took his responsibility as a father and husband very seriously. He was a very good provider. He was extremely well liked and respected in his craft as a pipefitter/welder. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He taught his son David how to hunt which David says to this day “I would rather hunt than eat”. Brett followed in Wayne’s footsteps and became a pipefitter/welder. Wayne was instrumental in guiding his son’s journey. Michael remembers the pheasant hunting trips as well as the fishing trips, fond memories. Wayne was a great father who instilled a strict moral code in his sons. He taught them about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for that his sons will be forever grateful. Wayne was a familiar face at all his son’s ballgames, if he wasn’t out of town working. His wife Laverne was there in his absence reporting back all the highlights. Wayne loved his wife so very much and refused to let anyone take care of her during her illness. He was by her side until her passing. Wayne had two passions in his later life. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, whom he had a tryout with prior to WW-II. Once the war started, Wayne served his country in the Navy as a bombardier. When Wayne came to Orange County, California, his son David bought season tickets to the California Angels, hoping that would help him find a new team to favor. No chance. He would constantly ask his son David what the score was of the Cardinals game while sitting in the stands at Angels Stadium. His other passion was going to church and listening to his favorite pastor, Pastor Phillip DeCoursy of Kindred Community Church, in Anaheim, Calif.
Wayne is survived by his sister, Mary Francis Gillis; his beloved son and daughter-in-law, David and Kathleen Ristig; his grandchildren, Travis Ristig (wife April) and Jamie Beecher; his beloved son, Michael and his wife, Annie Ristig; his beloved son, Brett Ristig; his sister-in-law, Jean Palmer; his nephews, Johnny (wife Deborah), Bobby (wife Camille), and Brian (wife Sheri) MacDonald; his niece, Gail Karlish; his nephew, Gregg Gillis (wife Gail); his nieces, Pam Harris (husband, Darryl), Kim James (husband, Anthony), and Patti (husband, Jamie)Wiley; his niece, Belinda (husband, Ronnie) Barrett; his nephew, Mike Palmer; his great-grandchildren, Matthew, Wyatt and Skylee Beecher and Savannah Rain Ristig.