Wayne W. Paholke passed March 2, 2026.
He was born April 20, 1939, in Oconto Falls to Walter Carl Paholke and Eleanor Schmidt Paholke. Growing up, he helped at his dad’s service station, pumping gas since he was 5 years old.
Upon graduating from Oconto Falls High School in May 1957, he decided to enlist in the Air Force where he became a diesel mechanic, probably influenced by the many years around the service station. He chose the Air Force, along with four of his best buddies from high school, because they didn’t want to be foot soldiers. While in the Air Force, Wayne spent time in Nashville, Tennessee, Japan and finished his enlistment in Fallon, Nevada, where he discharged May 31, 1961, as an airman first class.
On June 2, 1961, Wayne married Gail Harrigan in Fallon. They moved to Wisconsin for a brief stint, then returned to Fallon in September 1962 where Wayne ran a feed mill for 17 years. Together they owned and operated Fallon Florist from 1980 until 2001, becoming friends with their many employees and customers.
Wayne was a member of the Fallon Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited and life member of the Greenhead Hunting Club.
Wayne’s world was made up of his family and friends. He liked to fish, camp and chop wood with Gail and their kids. Wayne loved the annual trips to Indian Lakes in the summer where they stayed for weeks at a time. He treasured a lifetime of these rich memories of his children and grandchildren.
Wayne was blessed with three children, Kurt Paholke (Renae) of Fallon, Kim Manha (Mike) of Fallon and Kory Paholke (Julie) of Sparks; grandchildren, Karina Paholke Davis (Jacob), Jordan Paholke, Gray Paholke and Ella Paholke; and great-granddaughter, Elise Davis, and great-grandson, Kyler Davis. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Janis Schumacher (Bill), nephews, Brian Schumacher (Amy) and Brett Schumacher (Amy), all of Minnesota; nieces, Tracy Pagni (Terry Richardson), Leslie Bell Christenson; nephews, Mike Harrigan (Cindy), Mitch Harrigan (Beverly); and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gail of 58 years; brother-in-law, Gary Harrigan; and so many family and friends.
Wayne’s ashes will be buried next to Gail’s at the Churchill County Cemetery under the direction of The Smith Family Funeral Home, 505 Rio Vista Drive, Fallon, Nevada, 89406 (775-423-2255). Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Wayne’s name.
There will be no funeral services per Wayne’s request; however, a memorial potluck will be held March 22, 2026, at noon at the Fallon Eagles Hall, 7977 Reno Highway, Fallon, Nevada, 89406.
Wayne’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the South Hills Adult Care Family for the wonderful care they provided our father; you were such a comfort for him and us.
“ONE DAY AT A TIME”
