Obituary of Robert L. Payne

Robert Leroy “Bob” Payne Age 81, of Spencer, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at Ministry Saint Joseph Hospital in Marshfield. A funeral service will be held at11AM on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at Marshfield Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor David Burke officiating. Military honors conducted by The American Legion Post 54 of Marshfield will follow the service. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4PM until 8PM at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer and on Thursday at the church in Marshfield from 9:30AM until time of services. His pallbearers will be Paul Zimmermann Jr, Thomas Piesz, John Raschka, Joshua Zimmermann, Skyler Zimmermann and David Payne. Burial services will be held at 11AM on Friday, June 27, 2014 at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Richland Center. Bob was born March 28, 1933 in Richland Center, the son of Bernard and Clara (Denman) Payne. After attending public school, he continued his education at Emmanuel Missionary College Academy in Berrien Springs, MI graduating in June 1952. From 1952-1953 Bob worked as a hack saw machine operator until entering the United States Army in that same year. He served as a Medical Aidsman from 1953 to 1955 and received the National Defense Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. He married the love of his life, Leberta Howe in Prattville, MI on April 8, 1953. Bob was engaged in dairy farming but also worked as a certified nursing assistant at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 37 years. From 1972 until 1990 both Bob and his wife Leberta were dedicated foster parents for Wood County. On April 21, 2006 Bob retired from farming operations and St Joseph’s Hospital. From 2008 until present, he resided with his wife Leberta at Back Country Manor in rural Spencer. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He truly loved helping them or anyone in need of help or assistance, whenever or wherever. He was always willing to offer his street smarts to either family, friend or stranger. Robert was a member of Marshfield Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Leberta Payne, his four children: Rodney Payne of Powell, WY, Lynetta (Paul) Zimmermann of Spencer, Barbara (Thomas) Piesz of Naperville, IL and Bonnie (John) Raschka of Stevens Point; his grandchildren: Joshua, David, Skyler, Ashley, Jackson and Elena; one great grandson Brayden, his sister: Letha (Dee) Reif of Sextonville, two sister in laws: Sharon Payne and Audrey Payne; one brother-in-law Harold Shireman along with many other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: William, Rollin, and Donald and two sisters: Beaulla Payne and Lucille Shireman. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.