Wayne Van Natter

 Wayne Eric Van Natter aged 75 years, 7 months, and 26 days passed away peacefully at 6:50 P.M at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home of Hay Springs, NE with his devoted sister Ruthie by his side. He was welcomed into the loving embrace of Jesus who His Lord and Savior.

 Wayne was born on April 6, 1949 at the Chadron Community hospital to make his family complete. He was greeted by his parents Paul and Lois Whetstine Van Natter and three siblings Livonia Joyce Aka Vonie, Richard Paul and Ruth Jean.

 Forging life-long friendships began at an early age for Wayne in the Kenwood Neighborhoods through play, attending the Kenwood Baptist Church and Sunday school and the First Baptist Church Later on. His Friendship base grew during his K-12 education in the Chadron Public School systems and graduation from CHS in 1968.

 He entered the work Force at an early age as a shoeshine boy for a local barbershop that eventually led to becoming a career railroader for CNW (1971-1991) in Chadron until its closure. Wayne then joined the workforce of BNSF in 1993 out of Alliance, NE until his retirement in 2009.

 He proudly served his country in the army from February 1969 – February 1971 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Spec. 5. He returned to his home on N. Chadron Ave. and resided there until poor health necessitated a move to Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, NE. He resided there from August 7, 2023 until his death on November 1,2024. On many occasions one would hear Wayne say, “ I was born on 481 N Chadron Ave. and I plan to die on 481 N. Chadron Ave.!” He did his best to do just that.

 Wayne acquired many hobbies over the years which included: attending Friday night CHS football games and Saturday afternoon CSC football games as an avid fan, Saturday night movies at the Pace/Eagle theater, dancing at the South 40, reading good book, collecting guns, knives, coins, football and basketball cards sets, hunting, fishing, playing board games, cards and dominoes, listening to his favorite singers and singing groups, traveling, trips with his sister Ruthie to spend quality time with family, spending time with friends and last but not least, road trips to Prairie Wind Casino where he’d returned as a big winner or big loser! Fun! Fun!

 Wayne loved the Lord and his life was a reflection of that. He became part of the church family of the Nazarene Church and served faithfully on the church council in various capacities for 50+ years. He also became the grounds keeper until poor health took the best of him. He still continually supported the church from his home base.

 Those proceeding Wayne in death are: parents Paul (1917-1977) and Lois (1924-1999), sister Livonia Ryerson (1941-2006), great niece Christina Ruth Ryerson (2 months- 3 Months) and nephew Gregory Paul Mitchell (1969-2023), and brother-in-law Tim Ryerson (1947-2024). Survivors include: brother Richard/wife Carol and family of VA, sister Ruthie and son Michael Cottier of Gurley/Sidney, NE respectively, nephews Charlie/Kim Mitchell and families of GA, Clark/Stacey Mitchell family of TX and deceased nephew Greg Mitchell’s children and families of TX and KS, Uncle James Whetstine/family of OR.

 Special friends include: Neva Bartlett and family of Chadron, Dave/Deb Cottier of Chadron, terry/Darlene Cottier and families of TX, Travis/Karen Peterson and families of NE, Teri Youngberg and husband of SD as well as many many more.