Wayne Richard Shong, of White Sulphur Springs, Montana and formerly of Augusta and Eau Claire, Wisconsin passed away just shy of his 85th birthday, on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Bozeman, Montana.
Wayne, the youngest son of W. Edgar and Fern Dickinsen Shong was born November 9, 1934 on the Shong family farm, Town of Otter Creek, Augusta, Wisconsin. He graduated May 22, 1952 from Augusta High School where he excelled in athletics. He briefly attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a football scholarship.
Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 2, 1955. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY; graduating on August 18, 1956 from the 11th Airborne Division Angels. He served as a Military Policeman in Munich and Augsburg, Germany with the 127th Airborne Engineer Battalion. He went TDY (temporary duty) to play football overseas. Wayne was honorably discharged from active duty on May 11, 1957 and continued to serve in the reserves until honorably discharged on May 31, 1963.
Wayne began dating Rebecca R. Rugotzke on August 3, 1957, her 18th birthday. They were married on December 28, 1958 at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta, WI. Wayne was employed as a power company lineman by Northern States Power Company in Augusta, WI and Mondovi, WI. On August 24, 1966 Wayne was involved in an electrical accident when he was injured by 7200 volts of electricity. As a result, he suffered an amputation of his left arm.
Shortly after his injury, Wayne became the John Deere Industrial Dealer as manager of Northwest Equipment Inc., of Eau Claire, WI. He single-handedly saved the business. He purchased a new site and constructed a building with the approval of his partners. His success was measured by his sheer determination and hard work. Due to the significant size of the territory that he covered, he earned his IFR pilot rating. He was a natural pilot in the cockpit of his twin engine Piper Seneca airplane, logging over 500 hours annually. Flying customers to the factory in Iowa and proving grounds in Arizona and Iowa as well as late night flights to pick up parts were part of his routine. He believed in providing excellent service to his customers. Wayne held this position for 25 years until the sale of the business in 1990. Following the sale of the business, Wayne joined his wife at their ranch in Meagher County, MT.
Returning to agriculture and the love of the land and animals brought him back to his roots. He raised natural Black Angus beef, chickens, and turkeys. He bred and raised four generations of German Wired Hair Pointers, his favorite breed of dog. He delighted in lovingly taking care of all of the animals, especially his dogs.
Wayne will be remembered as a devoted husband and favorite uncle; a fierce athletic competitor; a skillful IFR multi-engine rated pilot, and an honest hard-working businessman and incredibly loyal friend. He enjoyed meeting and visiting with people. His hobbies included hunting, especially pheasants and elk; fishing, riding horseback, playing cribbage and pinochle.
Wayne is survived by one brother, Kenneth (Joan) Shong, Marshfield, WI, and his wife’s siblings: Thomas (Barbara) Rugotzke of Eau Claire, WI; sister-in-law Martha Rugotzke of Augusta, WI; and Mary Jane (Jack) Krause, of Eau Claire, WI. Nieces and nephews: Glenn (Joy) Shong, Linda (Bill) Stelzer, Tami (Jeff) McLaughlin, Fay Shong (J. Tracy Mehr), Kendra (Brad) Haessly, Scott Rugotzke, Leta Rugotzke, Kelly Ann Rugotzke, Kylee (Kyle) Staebell, Kari (Ryan) Whalen, and Dr. John (Sarah) Rugotzke; also 16 grandnieces and grandnephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of almost 58 years, Rebecca; parents, Edgar and Fern; and two brothers, Dean Shong, Keith Shong; sister-in-law Mavis Shong Thode; and brother-in-law David Rugotzke.
Wayne was proud to be from Wisconsin, but his heart found a home in Montana. He was loved by people from both places so there will be two services in his honor:
White Sulphur Springs, Montana: A visitation will be held from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Saturday, November 2, 2019, at The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches, 411 E. Jefferson Street in White Sulphur Springs. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 2nd at the church. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
Augusta, Wisconsin: A visitation will take place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at the Grace Lutheran Church, 815 Hudson Street, Augusta, WI. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with Rev. Jonathan A. Wessel, officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will follow the service at the West Lawn Cemetery, Augusta, WI, where Wayne will be laid to rest next to his wife Rebecca. A luncheon will follow.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Wayne.
Wayne has requested in lieu of flowers that memorials would be appreciated and designated to any of the following:
American Lutheran Church, 411 Jefferson Street, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
White Sulphur Springs Volunteer Fire Department, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Mountainview Medical Center, 16 W Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Wayne.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Saturday November 2, 2019
Yoked Parish
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 2, 2019
Yoked Parish
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Reception
After the funeral
Saturday November 2, 2019
Yoked Parish
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Grace Lutheran Church
814 Hudson St.
Augusta , Wisconsin 54722
Burial with Military Honors
Following the funeral
Tuesday November 5, 2019
West Lawn Cemetery
Augusta, Wisconsin 54722
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Saturday November 2, 2019
Yoked Parish
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 2, 2019
Yoked Parish
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Reception
After the funeral
Saturday November 2, 2019
Yoked Parish
411 E Jefferson St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 5, 2019
Grace Lutheran Church
814 Hudson St.
Augusta , Wisconsin 54722
Burial with Military Honors
Following the funeral
Tuesday November 5, 2019
West Lawn Cemetery
Augusta, Wisconsin 54722
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Laura McGoveran says
Truly saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing, my condolences and prayers to all. So many great memories come to mind of both Wayne & Becky, it was always a great time visiting them, they were very special folks! God’s peace as you celebrate his life!
Laura (Anderson) McGoveran
Carole Plymale says
Wayne was a good friend and neighbor. We will miss his joking ways and kind heart. God bless you, his family and friends, God bless you. With love, Chuck, Carole, David and Stephanie Plymale
Scott Rood says
Wayne taught us kids how to shoot baskets back in the early 70’s back in Eau Claire, WI. He was a great shot! Always had time to spend with is kids. I remember his dog Jet, beautiful black lab! We all wanted Wayne on our team when a neighborhood game got going!
John Paddock says
I had the pleasure of hunting elk with Wayne. Great guy, always helpful and a wicked cribbage play. He will be missed by many.
Mike potts says
My son and I only recently met Mr.Wayne in June of 2015 We live in Georgia and were in Montana looking for a place to hunt gophers . When we asked asked the local people who might be nice enough to let us hunt on their property, Mr.Waynes names was mentioned many times..we had to go meet this man. We found him on his ranch working his cows and were met with opened arms to enjoy his spread . He continued to invite us back each year thereafter . We were able to come back and spend many hours with him. Each time, after minding this chores, he would come along with us on the hunt to share his many stories of his life I can say the best part of our trips to Montana each year were spending time with him. He was very sharing, fun loving and generous. His wife Rebecca was sick during this time and we never got to meet here But Mr Wayne called me when she passed away. He loved her dearly and was in tears most of the conversation what little time we knew him, he will always have a special place in our hearts Mike and Adam Potts Conyers Ga
Keith Wilson says
I met this man and his wife Rebecca whilst on holiday in Montana some years back, 2003 I think.
We spent several days in each other’s company at the spring waters of white sulphur in central montana.
We had dinner at their ranch in the middle of nowhere. It was an amazing experience, with not another living soul in existence for over fifty miles in any direction.
I remember saying to him, what an utterly safe place that they lived being so far away from human activity? Then he told me about the prairie fire that surrounded their ranch. How Rebecca left in a pick up truck with their important belongings, and Wayne remained to look after the horses and cattle.
The army fought the flames, with divots, and water, and finally managed to stop the inferno some fifty yards from their house.
Today I decided to check up on them both❤️❤️
Keith LONDON England