Wayne Crile

Wayne Crile, 77, of Leighton, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House. Bernard Wayne Crile, son of Bernard and Norma (Campbell) Crile, was born June 27, 1947 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Wayne was raised on a family farm near Rose Hill, Iowa, and graduated from Fremont High School in the class of 1966. After graduation, Wayne was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sally Linville, on June 25, 1966. Wayne soon joined the United States Navy. While in the service, Wayne served as a fireman on the aircraft carrier, The Midway, and was stationed at several bases; Sally could follow him and live nearby. After his discharge, Wayne and Sally moved back to Oskaloosa and he helped his dad farm and he began a career with Pella Corporation. In 1974, Wayne and Sally moved to the city of Leighton and in 1984 they moved to their current home on their farm near Leighton. He concluded his career at Pella Corp in the maintenance department, maintaining the sprinkler system and served on the fire brigade. Wayne continued to work on the farm with his father, enjoying all aspects of farm life. He loved his animals, including dogs and cats, and working with the cattle and hogs. Wayne also enjoyed working on machinery. He collected John Deere tractors and loved Pontiac cars, which he also collected and entered in car shows, enjoying time with family and old and new friends. He loved being a tractor puller and builder with his son Kevin. They had many incredible adventures together, and Kathy and Sally were usually close behind, driving the cars with the chairs and food—cherished memories for the family. Wayne enjoyed music as well and was known for playing the trumpet. The family’s yearly hayrides, hotdog, and marshmallow roasts were one of his favorite pastimes. It was pure joy for him to drive his John Deere Tractor, hauling the family over the farm fields. Wayne was a Rose Hill Community Church member and loved serving the Lord in as many ways as he could. Wayne’s family includes his wife of almost 60 years, Sally; his daughter Kathy (Ray) Stralow of Rose Hill, IA and his son, Kevin (Missy) Crile of Tracy, IA; his three grandchildren, Ashley (Logan ) Kunzler, Kaliah (fiance, Anthony Walker) Lemon, and Alex Crile, his six great-grandchildren, Nate Keely, Gabe, Carson, MaKenna and Elektra, his brother Lee (Sandy) Crile of Pennsylvania, his sister Linda (Ken) Sarver of Oskaloosa, and sisters-in-law Julie Crile of Oskaloosa and Diane Crile of Pennsylvania. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Melissa Sue; a granddaughter, Missy Ann; three brothers, Steve, David, Mike, and his wife, Donna; and a sister, Betty Boyer. Funeral Services for Wayne will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Langkamp Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, with Rev. Mike Sinnett officiating. Interment in White Oak Cemetery. Visitation will begin Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet relatives and friends from 4-6 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Rose Hill Community Church.

Wayne Crile

June 27, 1947 - March 22, 2025