Wayne E. Artman

Wayne Edward Artman, 73, Freeport --passed away surrounded by his family Monday November 11, 2024 at home, the result of a battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born November 1,1951, the son of William and Ruth (Flury) Artman.

Wayne married Mary Martin on 2/12/1969. During their 55 year marriage they traveled to several European countries, Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Ireland and for the past 2 winters spent time in Myrtle Beach, N.C. Wayne enjoyed life, loved to travel to new places, always searching out Craft breweries. He always had a bucket list going of places to go and things to see. Wayne was a lifetime Green Bay Packers fan, proud to tell you he had attended 122 Packer games in numerous places. He retired from Kelly-Springfield, after 30 years (he said that was long enough) in 2000 where he worked as a millwright. He was Past President and Secretary at the Eagles Club in Freeport, he was a runner, having finished 5 Marathons. He enjoyed going to the YMCA every morning, getting in his exercise and visiting with his friends while there. He also enjoyed golfing, biking, reading, gardening, helping his kids with odd jobs around their homes, firing up some chicken wings on the grill and drinking beer with family and friends. He was known for his quick wit and one liners.

Wayne is survived by his wife Mary Artman of Freeport, IL; His proudest accomplishment in his life was his 3 children, Stacey (Lee) Block, Pearl City, Michelle (Mike) Queckboerner, Freeport and Bradley (Theresa) Artman of Crystal Lake, IL. His other passion was his grandchildren, Adam (Jodi) Block, Austin (Kyrie) Block, Owen Queckboerner, Lanah Queckboerner, Grace Queckboerner, William Artman and Lily Artman. He loved texting with them and sharing his quirky sense of humor and attending their sporting events. He was so proud of all of them. He also sadly leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Blaire and Calvin Block. He also leaves behind his sister, Nancy (Richard) Voss, sister-in-laws, Linda (Duane) Mork, Bonnie (Kent) Halverson, Pat (Ron) Martin, Pam (Jim) Longtine, Kristie (Kent) Payne. Brother- In-laws, Jim (Laura) Martin, Tom Miles, Don (Rita) Martin, Reid (Sandy) Martin and Doug (Linda) Martin and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, George & Argie Martin, sister-in-law Cindy Miles, brother-in-law Dave Martin and Dave’s wife Linda.

A special thank you to FHN Supportive Care and Hospice for providing compassionate care to Wayne.

There will be a private family service and burial. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Eagle’s Club, 1200 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Fund has been established in Wayne’s memory.