Wayne A. Hatton's Obituary
Wayne Arnold Hatton died in his sleep on July 11, 2025. He was 85 years old.
Wayne was born on Christmas Eve 1939 to David and Bertha Hatton, and he was raised on a dairy farm near Woodbine, Illinois. While attending Wheaton College, he met and fell in love with Sharon Stromberg, and they married in 1962. While he enjoyed his time at school, Wayne would be quick to tell you that he learned more about the real world in the U.S. Army than he did in college. After ROTC and two years of active duty, he received an honorable discharge as a First Lieutenant.
After his military service, Wayne began a long and accomplished career as a manager in the Burlington Northern railroad. Living as far east as Chicago and as far west as Montana, and from North Dakota as far south as Texas, Wayne rose quickly through the ranks of leadership, and at every stop, he earned the respect and loyalty of those who worked with him. He retired in 1995 as Vice President of Operations for the entire railroad.
In retirement, Wayne and Sharon would often travel together, and Wayne's expertise was sought on boards and transportation projects across the country. They ultimately settled in Rural, Wisconsin, and became members of Faith Community Church in nearby Waupaca. Wayne was proud of the land he owned-both in Rural and a farm in northwestern Illinois-and he spent his later years committed to tending it well.
Wayne will be remembered for his sharp sense of humor, his kindness, his discipline, and his fondness for a sweet treat. He was a hard worker and a man who loved God. He would often repeat to his family how thankful he was that everybody got along and had common sense-and while he would say he was fortunate and blessed, it is also a credit to his wisdom, leadership, and good example that those things are true.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, his sisters Sherryl Bowman (married to Gary), Ardath Winter (married to Marshall), and Barbara Haytko, his children Steven (married to Anne), Susan, and Scott (married to Kristin), seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, August 8, at Faith Community Church in Waupaca, WI. A visitation will begin at noon, with the service to follow at 1:00. Wayne will be laid to rest in the Rural Cemetery.
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