MADISON - Wayne Robert Ringquist, age 76, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Meriter Hospital. Wayne was born on August 23, 1948, in Madison, Wis., to Robert James and Gladys (Reese) Ringquist.

Wayne was a 1967 graduate of Janesville Craig High School and graduated from UW Wisconsin Rock County Extension two years later. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1970 and was honorably discharged in 1974. Wayne graduated from UW-Parkside with a Bachelor of Arts in History on December 19, 1976, and from Kent State University with a Master’s in Public Administration on December 9, 1978. He worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in various positions from 1979 until his retirement in 2013.

Wayne married his wife, Margaret (Marty) Ringquist, in Beloit, Wis., on September 23, 1972. They had two children, Sabrina and Erik. Wayne was an animal lover. The family had four dogs and two cats over the years. Wayne was known in the Elvehjem neighborhood as the man who always had a treat for any dog being walked by his house.

Wayne was an avid sports fan. He played college soccer at UW-Parkside and Kent State University, with the Madison 56ers outdoor team and various indoor soccer teams. He coached youth soccer in Middleton and Madison and freshman boys at Madison LaFollette. He coached the Home Savings and Loan Lions youth soccer team. He also acted as President for both the Middleton and Madison Area Youth Soccer programs. Wayne began his career as a referee in his late teens and continued through his early 70s. He was a youth and a WIAA high school referee for soccer and basketball and a softball umpire. In later years. Wayne and Marty enjoyed watching Erik’s soccer games and their grandnephews play basketball and wrestle.

Wayne enjoyed traveling with his wife across the United States. His favorite vacation spot was Siesta Key, Fla. Wayne enjoyed seeing the sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park in September 2023. His favorite vacation spots included beaches, national parks and historical sites.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Marty; his children, Sabrina and Erik; one sister, Mary Lou Ringquist; and four brothers, Larry (Diane Eastman), Randy, Gary, and Bob. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. There will be a service at 1 p.m., followed by lunch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shelter from the Storm Animal Rescue (SFTS), 1602 Blossom Lane, Madison WI 53716, or through the PayPal link at

www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9P4NQUTB63NL2.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Wayne R Ringquist

August 23, 1948 - October 04, 2024

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