Wayne Charles Greenwood OBITUARY

Wayne Charles Greenwood OBITUARY

Wayne Charles Greenwood, aged eighty-eight, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Wayne was born to Beryl and Genevieve Greenwood (Bell) on August 30, 1937, and grew up in Moline, Illinois, with his older brother, Lowell. Wayne met Lynette (Lyn) Francis, his wife of sixty-eight years, at church camp when she was twelve and he was fourteen. She loved him instantly. After high school, Wayne enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving first on an air/sea rescue team in Biloxi, Mississippi, and later as a medic at Kimpo Air Base in South Korea during the Korean War.

Upon his return from Korea, Wayne attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Long Beach State in Long Beach, California. Wayne married Lyn on March 28, 1958, and they later welcomed two children, John Charles and Mara Lyn. Wayne was the proud owner of Steam Sales, which sold high pressure commercial steam boilers in the Greater Chicago area.

Wayne was known for his brilliant mind, quick wit, generous heart, and incredible hair. His farm—and the people that helped make it flourish—was Wayne’s pride and joy. Racing around on his golf cart or busy working in his shop, Wayne adored being outside on the farm. Eager to help, he was always ready to lend a hand (and usually a joke, too). He was generous with his time, volunteering at Kendall County Historical Society’s Lyon Farm for many years. Wayne was a collector of all things tractors, trains, historical, and comedic. Tractors, though, were Wayne’s favorite pastime. His passion for restoring and pulling antique tractors was evident in his pristine, extensive collection—one that would make John Deere himself green with envy. Ever the industrious man, there wasn’t a thing Wayne couldn’t fix or a tool he didn’t have.

You could depend on Wayne for anything, including a good laugh. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and creating memories while camping. Wayne was a walking encyclopedia—full of obscure facts and undefeated at Trivial Pursuit. He loved showing off his iconic belly flop every chance he had, as well as his one-of-a-kind talent: riding his bicycle backwards, seated atop the handlebars. Everyone has a story about Wayne, and we’d love to hear them all. Wayne will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Wayne is preceded in death by: his parents, Beryl and Genevieve; in-laws, Darwin and Evelyn Francis; brother, Lowell; son, John; and grandson, Russell McKay. Wayne is survived by his wife, Lyn; daughter, Mara McKay; son-in-law, Grant McKay; daughter-in-law, Cindy Greenwood (Jarchow); his grandchildren, Steven (Hannah) Greenwood; Michael Greenwood; Jennifer Greenwood; Mitchell McKay; David Greenwood; Kendall McKay; and his great-grandchildren, Autumn and Oliver Greenwood.

The family will be receiving guests on Tuesday, June 9, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home on 1120 S. Broadway, Montgomery, IL 60538. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Internment with full military honors will follow at Aux Sable Grove Naausay Cemetery in Yorkville, IL.