Wayne Philip Fontenelle

Wayne P. Fontenelle passed away on February 22, 2025 at the age of 84. He was born on June 25, 1940 in Keshena, Wisconsin on the Menominee Indian Reservation to Henry Fontenelle of Decatur, Nebraska and Eleanore (Draper) of Shawano, Wisconsin. Henry was of Omaha and Pawnee tribe heritage in Nebraska but was working in the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the Federal Government in Keshena at the time.

Wayne is survived by Gale Fontenelle, née Ogasawara, his beloved wife of 60 years, his children: Dierdra (Mark) Bashaw, Michon (Alan) Fontenelle, Mignon (Ernie) Fontenelle, Wade (Julie) Fontenelle, and Mignette (Ryan) Fontenelle-Monks. Wayne also leaves behind seven grandchildren: William and Elaina; Cole, Jade and Lucien; Henry; and Zoé.

Wayne was a wonderful co-worker, serving for 30 years at the Department of Agriculture as a Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer, and during the latter part of his service became a great supervisor who made everyone feel valued. He formed long-lasting friendships with his co-workers and with many Customs Officers as well.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing in lakes, rivers and oceans for many types of fish including bass, trout, and salmon. Fall hunting commenced with doves, ducks and turkeys and then large game of deer, elk, bear and moose. He was a wealth of knowledge about hunting, fishing, archery, firearms, U.S. and world history, and just about anything outdoors, especially wildlife and plant life. He was able to share his marksmanship and expertise with many members of his family at the shooting range and hunting in the fields and forests. He always included National Parks on many summer road trips with the family.

He enjoyed classical music and loved opera, attending the old Metropolitan in New York when he trained for his job there. As a college student in Brookings, S.D. he would drive to Minneapolis, MN. to attend operas unbeknownst to his father. He was a sports fan of track and field, boxing, and watching sumo (Japanese wrestling) for decades. Into sports himself, he was a runner, doing road races including marathons and participated in Dragonboat paddling.

After having grandchildren he became the number one fan of all their activities and loved spending time with them. Wayne was a true renaissance man, with so much diverse knowledge, interests and expertise. We loved him very much.

Wayne will be laid to rest at Cedar Lawns Memorial Park in Redmond, WA.

Wayne will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.