Wayne Speer

Wayne Everett Speer, 87, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Burial will follow in the Union Chapel Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation. The funeral service will be livestreamed and online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Wayne was born on December 4, 1938, to Ernest and Mina Speer. He graduated from Patterson High School in 1956 and continued his education at Simpson College and Iowa State University. Though he pursued higher education, Wayne felt the pull of the land and returned home to begin a lifelong career in farming.

On August 28, 1960, Wayne married LaDonna Brown. Together, they built a life centered around family, farming, and their community. They were blessed with two children, Glenna and Craig.

For 50 years, Wayne farmed and raised cattle. Over the years, the farm was also home to hogs, sheep, and chickens. In addition to farming, Wayne operated Quick’s Orchard for many years, growing and selling apples and cider.

Wayne was very well read and had a genuine curiosity about the world around him. He was active in his community and involved with Farm Bureau, Farm Service, and a local square dance club. He loved music and dancing and especially enjoyed the friendships that came along with both.

More than anything, Wayne loved people. He had an incredible memory for those he met, and once Wayne knew you, he rarely forgot you. His friendships stretched far beyond his local community, and he seemed to know people wherever he went.

Later in life, Wayne enjoyed traveling to the Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas. He spent many seasons at Alamo Palms, where he ran the jam sessions and enjoyed sharing his love of music with others. The jams, the music, and the many friendships he made there brought him great happiness.

Wayne attended the Patterson United Methodist Church.

Wayne is survived by his children, Glenna Camp (Rick Kuhns) and Craig (Charlotte) Speer; seven grandchildren, Skylar (Lindsay) Speer, Logan (Micaela) Camp, Trenton (Kelsey) Speer, Landon (Amanda) Camp, Tanner (Nicole) Speer, Lucas Camp, and Lauren (Zach) Jones; and 13 great-grandchildren, Will, Beau, Wade, Gavin, Connor, Rowan, Koe and Cady Speer, and Maizee, Maren, Ellora, Emersyn and Lainey Camp.

He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Tibben; and sisters-in-law, Elaine (Bob) Newton, Jackie Brown, Arlene (Bryce) Beerends, and Mary Onstot.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaDonna; parents, Ernest and Mina Speer; parents-in-law, Ernie and Ethel Brown; son-in-law, Tim Camp; sister, Joyce Koehler; brothers-in-law, Loyde Brown, Larry Brown, John Onstot, Mike Koehler and Frank Tibben; and sister-in-law, Sandi Brown.

Wayne will be remembered for his dedication to the land, his love of music and dancing, his remarkable memory, and, most of all, his genuine love for people and the many friendships he made throughout his life.