Wayne E. Williss, 89, of Grand Island, died Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Brookestone Village in Omaha, NE.

Wayne was born to Lloyd and Bessie (Hill) Williss on January 4, 1925 in Lincoln, NE. He grew up and attended school in Lincoln. He was in the first graduating class from Northeast High School in 1942. In 1943 he served our county in the Sea-Bees and was honorably discharged in 1945. Wayne then attended the University of Denver and earned a degree as a draftsman.

In 1950 he started working in Grand Island as a map maker for the Bureau of Reclamation lettering and drawing relief and elevation lines. He was there until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Mary Guendel on December 29, 1956 in Grand Island. She died in 1994.

Gardening and woodworking were some of the hobbies Wayne enjoyed around home. He also enjoyed playing bridge and looking after his investments. He and Mary enjoyed traveling many places, but one special place was to the family lodge in Idaho. He continued to travel with the 5 Points 50 Plus group after Mary's passing. He also loved getting together on holidays with family and staying in contact with this many friends scattered all over the Midwest. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, North Star, Lodge #227, #1 R.A.M. BPOE Elks Lodge 604, American Legion Post 53, and the Grand Island Liederkranz.

Wayne is survived by his nephews: Philip Sanders of Omaha, NE, David Sanders of Omaha, NE, and niece: Caitlin Carson of Littleton, CO. Also nephews: Terry Sweeney, Garrett Sweeney, Peter Sweeney, and niece: Natalie Sweeney all of Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Mary; and sister and brother-in-law: Frances and Leo Sanders.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM Friday, August 8, 2014 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Burial with military honors will be at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Thursday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home.