Wayne Hardy

     Wayne Gene Hardy was born on a farm outside of Dunlap, Iowa on May 21, 1941, to Harold and Annie (Park) Hardy. He attended country school before heading out into the workforce. Wayne drove a rock truck and then went to work at Kelly Ryan in Blair, Nebraska where he worked as a welder until he retired at age 62. On April 3, 1964, Wayne was united in marriage to Connie Roeh Freerking and she continued to spoil him for 60 years until she passed away in 2024. They were blessed with three daughters.

     Wayne loved all things outdoors, especially with Connie by his side. They enjoyed camping, fishing and boating. He loved to hunt deer and at one time purchased a motorcycle so that he and Connie could ride alongside Tina and Mark. He also loved going for a drive in his truck.

     Wayne died on Monday, July 28, 2025, at CHI Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 84 years, two months and seven days.

     Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Connie; daughter, Teresa Nuzum; grandchildren, Eileen Marie Nuzum and Andrew Bak; son-in-law, Mark Wagner; and brothers, Arnold, Elton, Darrell, Larry and Dennis Hardy. He is survived by his daughters, Tammy and her husband Brian Bak of Woodbine and Tina Wagner of Turin, Iowa; grandchildren, Faith, Amanda, Mark II, Breanna, Brian, Elise and Dustin; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Robbie Hardy of Pocatello, Idaho; and many other relatives and friends.