Wayne Marsh- The Steadfast Heron

STOUGHTON - Wayne Chauncey Marsh, of Stoughton, Wis., went home to his Lord and Savior on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 74 years old. A man defined by a rugged exterior and a tender heart, Wayne’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, devotion to family, and a profound connection to the natural world. Wayne was born December 17, 1950, in Madison, Wis., the son of the late Donald and Ruth (Brager) Marsh.

Wayne graduated with high honors from Stoughton High School in 1969, where he was a member of the Norwegian Dancers for three years-an experience he later shared with his wife. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two years before graduating at the top of his class from Madison Technical College with a degree in Business and Accounting. Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Kim Hergenroether, on June 21, 1975, and they celebrated their 50th Anniversary this past summer-a true testament to devotion and shared faith.

Wayne owned and operated his business, Building Maintenance and Repair, for 50 years. He built his own home and countless projects for others, always willing to lend a hand, often serving those who couldn't pay. He enjoyed taking his children on work adventures, instilling in them a deep appreciation for hard work and service.

Wayne was a true outdoorsman. Growing up on Lake Kegonsa, he loved skiing, boating, fishing, skating and ice fishing. He also liked to travel up north for fishing and hunting trips, but his ultimate sanctuary was the warm, sunny beach of Florida, specifically the Gulf Coast. As a life-long angler, he tried his hand at deep sea fishing and shark fishing. This love spilled over from making his own jigs and flies to later carving and selling wooden lures. He loved to garden and landscape and found profound peace in nature.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He felt closest to God by the water and actively supported many ministries, volunteering to help those in need, including Second Harvest and Big Brothers of Madison.

Wayne’s greatest joy was his family - his wife, seven children and 19 cherished grandchildren, including: Jessica (Steven Grahmann) and their children, Noah and Jack; Rachel (Matt Braund) and their children, Mason, Damien and Caden; Melissa (Brian Borke) and their children, Peter, Nathan, Samuel and Lydia; Bethany (Tim Groeneweg) and their children, Isabelle, Josephine and Boaz; Timothy (Martha Marsh) and their children, Elijah, Elizabeth and Emma; Tiffany (Taylor Schmid) and their children, Brooklynn and Alena; and Tracy (Joe Augustine) and their children, Thatcher and Shepherd. He was the adored Papa to his grandkids, who knew well the loving tickle he reserved for every time they mentioned or ate pickles.

Wayne’s love language was food. He was renowned for the incredible pies he baked for his children’s weddings, making large meals so there were plenty of leftovers and hosting spectacular pig roasts and gatherings for church picnics.

In the final chapter of his life, Wayne’s resilience and faith were profoundly tested. Despite suffering sudden paralysis followed by a diagnosis of terminal cancer, he remained an inspiration, sharing his unwavering trust in God with medical staff. During this time, the family received comfort from the frequent sightings of the Herons from Heaven-a majestic bird that became the perfect symbol of Wayne: steadfast, strong, and centered on his faith.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Kim; their seven children; 19 grandchildren; his brother, Don (Lois) Marsh of Stoughton; and sisters, Lynn (Doug) Marsh DeLong of Cherry Valley, N.Y., and Nancy Bolland of Stoughton; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ruth Marsh; and his brother-in-law, Matt Bolland.

Wayne’s family takes comfort in knowing that he is now healed and walking, fishing in a sunny paradise, covered by the peace of God he loved to share.

A joint service will be held for Wayne Marsh and his mother, Ruth Marsh, at RIDGEWAY CHURCH, 3245 E. Washington Ave., Madison, on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Wayne’s service will be from 1:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., followed by a brief intermission. Ruth’s service and Hymn sing will be from 2:30 p.m. until 3 p.m., followed by a pie social.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of UW Health inpatient and outpatient, Rehab and Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and attention during Wayne’s final years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations close to Wayne’s heart: Second Harvest and Zeteo.

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

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

Wayne C Marsh

December 17, 1950 - November 28, 2025

Share photos of Wayne