Wayne Leslie Krohn

On Wednesday, July 31, 2026, our beloved husband, father, Papa, and friend, Wayne Leslie Krohn, passed away at the age of 75 following a short and courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Wayne was born on June 20, 1951, in New Prague, Minnesota, to Leslie and Elizabeth (Beiser) Krohn. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Le Center, where he remained a devoted lifelong member. His faith was evident through his many years of service on the Property and Maintenance Committee and Endowment Committee, as an usher, coffee hour host alongside Barb, handyman for countless church repairs, and organizer of the annual Oktoberfest farmers market.

Raised on the family farm north of Le Center, Wayne learned the value of hard work at an early age while working beside his father. He graduated from McKinley High School in 1969, and the friendships he formed there remained some of his most treasured throughout his life. On October 10, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Barbara Knish, beginning a marriage built on unwavering love, faith, and partnership.

Wayne was drafted into the United States Army in 1970. Following his honorable discharge, he began a distinguished 40-year career in highway and heavy road construction. As a finishing foreman, he earned the respect of every crew he worked with because he never asked anyone to do a job he wouldn't do himself. He believed in leading by example, working shoulder to shoulder with his team. His calm demeanor, quiet strength, unmatched work ethic, and commitment to excellence became well known throughout the industry.

One of the defining moments of Wayne's career came on August 1, 2007, when he was called to assist the bridge crew on the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis. He was working on the bridge when it tragically collapsed, falling approximately 30 feet. After climbing to safety, Wayne immediately turned his attention to helping others, assisting a frantic woman whose vehicle had been among the last to cross the bridge. Despite suffering injuries that eventually forced his retirement three years later, Wayne's instinct was, as always, to help others before himself. He was a proud lifelong member of Cement Masons Local 633.

Wayne and Barb made their home in Le Center, where they raised their two children, Tanja and Scott, surrounding them with unconditional love, guidance, and the kind of life lessons that can only come from steady example. He rarely missed a sporting event, taking immense pride in every accomplishment of his children. One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He often said, "They have no idea what they do for my heart and soul."

Wayne found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He loved ice fishing and passed that passion on to his children. He enjoyed hosting his legendary fish fries, watching MASH*, traveling to Alaska, tending his yard and beloved "man cave," gardening, helping Barb can fruits and vegetables, and taking rides together in their side-by-side. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post 108 and the Izaak Walton League, where he faithfully fried fish for the organization's annual fish fries.

Wayne believed that kindness and respect should be spread like sunshine. Honesty, faith, and devotion to family ran deep within him. If someone needed help, he was the first to arrive, bringing his quiet, gentle strength and willingness to do whatever was needed. His quick wit brought smiles to those around him, and his steady presence made others feel safe. To his family, he was simply our hero.

Wayne is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Barb; his children, Tanja (Joe) Goering and Scott (Kelle) Krohn; his grandchildren, Casey (Aaron) D'Ambrosio, Randy Goering, Justin (Brooke) Goering, Abbie Krohn, Ben Krohn (fiancée Erin Zbikowski), and Lauren Krohn; his four great-grandchildren, Bryson, Adelyn Rose, Landon, and Eli; his sister, Judi (Krohn) Eul; his brothers, Larry Krohn and Kevin (Lisa) Krohn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were blessed by his love and example.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Elizabeth (Beiser) Krohn; his parents-in-law, Emil and Mamie Knish; his brother-in-law, Butch Eul; his sister-in-law, Mary Krohn; his brother-in-law, Emil Knish III; and his sister-in-law, Lori Knish.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center, MN; Pastor Heath Queen will officiate. Wayne’s family will greet guests at a visitation on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 4-7 PM at the Le Center Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Le Center, Minnesota.

Wayne's family finds comfort in words from Helen Keller that perfectly reflect the legacy he leaves behind:

"What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."