Wayne enlisted in the United States Army when he was 17 and proudly served his country as an enlisted soldier and afterwards as a Michigan National Guardsman, including a tour in the Middle East during Desert Storm. He served a total of 24 years. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and gardening, as well as meticulously caring for his lawn. People often remarked that he was a nice man. His family and close friends knew him to be a loving, stubborn, opinionated, generous man, and they will miss him deeply.
Wayne was preceded in death by: parents, Archie and Ida Gotwalt; and 3 of his brothers, Donald, Eugene, and Gerald Gotwalt.
Wayne is survived by: wife, Kerry Gotwalt; daughters, Shelly (Mike) Troyanowski, and Kim (Dan) Tagliareni; step-son, Ray (Jenn) Flynn; 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; and 3 of his brothers, Gordon, Roger, and Ron Gotwalt.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. In accordance with Wayne's wishes, cremation will take place after the service and he will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Wyoming VA Clinic or to Corewell Health Hospice.
