Wayne Dye

Wayne Dye, of Montevideo, died Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Arrangements are with Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo. www.andersontebeest.com

Wayne Dye was born on December 5, 1948, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to Floyd Dye and Vivian (Kaupang) Dye. His family later moved to Roseville, California, where his father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1967, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Vivian Linares, and together they had one daughter, Teresa. Wayne and Vivian later divorced.

Wayne eventually moved to the Reno, Nevada area, where he lived for much of his life. He worked for many years as a bartender in Reno-area casinos before joining the Teamsters and working for Granite Construction. In 2000, he returned to Minnesota to help care for his mother and stepfather, Pete Johnson. Upon returning home, Wayne purchased a bright red Peterbilt truck and proudly worked as an owner-operator for many years. Later, he chose to drive locally, working for Redball in Benson and Duininck, always taking great pride in his skills and spotless driving record. Even after retiring, Wayne continued to drive, delivering Ice Castle Fish Houses and working as a pilot car driver.

Wayne was known for his incredible sense of humor and his constant willingness to help others. He deeply treasured the time he spent with family and friends, especially the many lifelong friendships he maintained. Wayne had a deep affection for dogs and shared a special bond with his beloved black Labrador, Lucy.

Wayne loved living near the Sierra Mountains, which he always considered his favorite place in the world. He was a proud member of the Chief Truckee Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (ECV), a historical group dedicated to preserving Gold Rush sites.

A passionate sports fan, Wayne loved all sports but especially football — rarely missing a Minnesota Vikings game. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing pool, riding motorcycle and playing cards. Wayne also had a great love for music especially the blues and oldies from the 1960’s and 70’s.

Wayne was an amazing cook who loved to share his talents with those around him. His specialties were grilling and Mexican cuisine, which he often prepared for family gatherings and celebrations.

Wayne spent his final year at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson, where he was grateful for the compassionate care he received.

Wayne will be remembered for his big heart, his easy laughter, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.

Wayne is survived by his grandsons, Randall Hecker and Travis Byrd; granddaughter, Jayden Jones; sister, Kathy (Bill) Gordon; nephew, Robert Dye (fiancé, Becci TenBensel); nieces, Karen (Kipp) Yackley, Tammy Magenheimer and Capri Dye; nephews, Kirby Jones and Todd Blackwell; great-nephews, Reese Dye, Branden Yackley, Brent Yackley and Bryan Yackley; and many extended family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Dye and Vivian Phelps; daughter, Teresa Jones; sister, Christine Dye; brothers, Terry Dye and Eddie Dye; infant brother, Robert Dye.