William "Rodger" Wayman

October 8, 1929-March 30, 2021

We've all been there.  Walking aimlessly around a hardware store, not sure what we want or need for some project or task that had us frustrated.  Just hoping that a condescending unhelpful salesperson wasn't about to make things even more difficult.  But if you happened to be in DeKalb Illinois at the Wayman's Ace Hardware and Rodger Wayman was on the floor, your day was about to get a whole lot better.

Because you see Rodger went about being a hardware guy a lot like he went about everything else in his busy life.  He was kind.  He was generous.  He was hard-working.  He was honest.  He went out of his way to be helpful.  For his children.  For his grandchildren.  For the rest of his family and friends.  For his customers.  And for his country.

Born to Ruth and Merritt Wayman 91 years ago in Cornell, IL he graduated from high school in 1947 and served with the 1 ^st Cavalry Division during the Korean War.  He married Mary Snyder in 1954 and went into the hardware business for the next 51 years, all in DeKalb.  He died Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings as well as his grandson, Justin Hernandez.  He is survived by two of his sisters-in-law Ruth Wayman and Leone Wayman, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was a loving father to Terri Wayman of DeKalb, Sue (Matt) Green of West Chicago IL, Debbie (Ted) Schuerman of St. Louis, MO, Bill Wayman of Round Lake Heights, IL, and Karen (Tracy) Smith of DeKalb.  He was devoted to his grandchildren Jeremy (Amy) Hernandez, Jennifer (Steve) Gardner, Megan (Tyler) Church, Matthew Green, Michael Schuerman, Daniel Wayman, Kendall (Justin) Tate, Kayla Baum, Allison Smith, and Mike Smith.  And his great-grandchildren Aubrey Gardner, Ava Gardner, Lexie Hernandez, and Imogene Church.

His passion was following the Chicago Cubs, reveling in their 2016 World Championship.  He loved the Wisconsin Northwoods and its fishing, spending time there every summer with his extended family.  And how he loved the smell of a new car!

Memorial service will be held on Saturday June 12, 2021 at 12:00pm in the Finch Funeral Home with Pastor Janet Hunt officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday June 12, 2021 in the funeral home from 10:00am till the time of the service. Private burial will be held in Fairview Park Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the DeKalb American Legion Post #66. They wish gifts and memorials be sent to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cremation was entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.