Ivan Wayne Farber

Ivan “Wayne” “Salty” Farber, age 91, of Reedsburg, WI, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center. He was born on March 2, 1930 in Reedsburg, WI, the son of Alfred J. and Hazel M. (Gwin) Farber.

At age 10, Wayne joined the Cub Scouts and continued to be a part of the Boy Scouts of America for another six years. As part of Troop 44, Wayne earned his Eagle Scout status on September 30, 1946 at age 16, and was the first Eagle Scout in the City of Reedsburg. By age 17, on November 3, 1947, Wayne joined the U.S Army. Having faithfully and honorably serving the U.S. Army, Major Ivan Wayne Farber retired on March 2, 1990.

On February 3, 1951, he was united in marriage to Delores L. Meyer at St. John Lutheran Church in Hillpoint. This marriage was blessed with four children.

In high school and throughout his lifetime, Wayne had a love of music. He was in choir, both in school and in several churches in Reedsburg. He sang solos in church, for weddings, funerals, and every Christmas Eve service for over 50 years.

Wayne was employed as Head of the Maintenance Department at Hankscraft Motors, a division of Gerber for many years.  He served three terms as Mayor of Reedsburg from 1992 to 1998. He was a member of the American Legion Post #350, and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, helping at Ground Zero after 9/11, and other disaster relief. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Reedsburg, and occasionally filled in as a lay minister.

He enjoyed his family, fishing, woodworking and traveling. Wayne was well known for his picture on the “Life” magazine cover in November of 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores; his parents; brothers, Theodore (Mary) Farber, and Marlen (Leona) Farber.

Wayne is survived by his children: David (Patricia) Farber of Reedsburg, Daniel Farber (Nancy) of Reedsburg, Pamela (Robert) Osborn of Kingsford, MI, and Amberly Farber (Dean) of Reedsburg; grandchildren: Eric, Docia, Chase, Heath, Lindsey, Kristopher and Ryan; great-grandchildren: Brianna, Jayden, Ashlyn, Cole, Xander, Rylin, Avery and Grant; great-great-grandchildren: Colt and Sophie; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Chaplain Daniel Farber officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3:00 P.M. until the time of the service. A private burial with military honors will be held in the Greenwood Cemetery, Reedsburg.

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