Dwayne E. “Wayne” Koecke

October 12, 1949–January 28, 2026

Dwayne E. “Wayne” Koecke, age 76 of Prairie du Chien, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at his home from congestive heart failure. 

He was born in Prairie du Chien on Oct. 12, 1949, to Everette and Barbetta (Cardine) Koecke. 

He was baptized and confirmed at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church where he attended grade school and graduated from high school in 1968. He married Janice Noel on Jan. 25, 1969, at St. Gabriel’s, recently celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary. Over the years, Dwayne was an active member of his community. 

He worked as a sheriff’s deputy, helped teach Hunter’s Safety courses, and was a member of the Prairie du Chien Fire Dept. for 47 years. He was one of the original members of the Rescue Squad. 

He worked at the 3M Company in Prairie du Chien until retirement. Wayne enjoyed his part time jobs, being on or near the river; hunting, fishing, playing cards, and being with his family. 

Wayne leaves behind his wife, Janice; a beloved son Wayne J., a wonderful daughter-in-law Tracey (Washkuhn), his treasured grandson Brennan James, and his sister Jane (Leonard) Kaster. He also leaves behind two step-grandchildren Jonathan Wahlen and Chelsea (Whalen) Jones, and her son Beau; brothers-in-law Rich (Cindy) Noel, Robert Noel; sisters-in-law Sheila (Mike) Conway, Kate Mezera, and Bridgitt (Ken Pangburn) Noel, and nieces and nephews. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; beloved sister Georgia (Ames-Thompson), brothers-in-law Van (Janelle) Thompson, and John Mezera. 

Dwayne’s family wishes to thank the Mayo Clinic Health System for their tireless care, as well as the Agrace Hospice Program which enabled Wayne to be at home. Every one of those people is amazing. Thanks to the many friends and neighbors that gave Wayne a smile because they came for a visit. “I heard the voice of Jesus say, come unto me and rest: Lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast. I came to Jesus as I was, so weary worn and sad, I found Him in a resting place, and He has made me glad.” 

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. at the Garrity Funeral Home Chapel, Fr. Brandon Guenther officiating, with burial in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. As per Wayne’s wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest next to his beloved sister, Georgia. 

The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com