L. Wayne Weller, 95, formerly of Niles, passed away at 3:50 a.m. June 17, 2010 in South Bend, Ind.

Born May 1, 1915 in Silver Lake, Ind., he was the son of Courtie L. and Eva (Krieg) Weller. On Nov. 20, 1940, he married his beloved Alice Jenny Stokely and she preceded him in death on Aug. 10, 2002.

Most of his working life was spent in the dairy industry, first at Producers and United Dairies in Niles and then at McDonalds Dairy in Benton Harbor, Mich., where he retired in 1980.

Wayne was an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt and especially fish on Lake Michigan for coho, chinook and lake trout. Later, when he retired, he loved to play golf and did so until he was 90. He loved to build things, constructing his and Alice’s family home in Niles, his beloved cottage at Donnell Lake in Vandalia, Mich. and many pieces of furniture for his family. Wayne cherished his family and continually showed his pride in their accomplishments.

He was a 32nd degree Free Mason, serving as Worshipful Master of St. Joseph Valley Lodge 4 and was a member of the Scottish Rite and Shrine. He and Alice were members of Niles Eastern Star Chapter 332, serving in many capacities and as matron and patron.
He and Alice were life members of Grace United Methodist Church in Niles.

In retirement, Wayne and Alice lived an active life in Spring Hill, Fla. and after Alice’s death, Wayne moved to Vandalia, where he lived at Donnell Lake until his death.

Surviving are three sons, Daniel (wife Barbara), of Millbrook, N.Y., Thomas, of Granger, Ind., Stephen (wife Kathleen), of West Lafayette, Ind.; four grandsons, Jeffrey, of Atlanta, Ga., Douglas (wife Kerry), of Millbrook, N.Y., James, of Stamford, Conn. and David, of Chicago; and five great-grandchildren, Michael, Paige, Kendra, Sophie and Erin.

Wayne is survived by seven brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 2 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, Niles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Grace United Methodist Church or Shriner Hospitals for Children (www.shrinershq.org).

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted by Brown Funeral Home & Mission Hills Memorial Chapel.