Wayne Martin Fondahn

Wayne Martin Fondahn was born on January 9, 1927, in Walla Walla, WA, to Joseph and Lurena (Martin) Fondahn. Wayne had an older sister, Pauline, and a younger brother Bob, and the siblings had a close relationship throughout their lives. Wayne passed away at his home in Walla Walla, on June 25, 2022.

Wayne grew up during the Great Depression on a small farm on the edge of Walla Walla, and he enjoyed the freedom to ride his bicycle long distances for camping, swimming, and exploring.

Wayne loved competitive sports and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at WA-Hi. Later, he played for teams in the Navy, college, and city leagues. He bowled in local leagues for fifty years and golfed for seventy years and had eight hole-in-ones.

During WWII, Wayne enlisted in the Navy and completed advanced training to repair ship-based radar and radio systems, and achieved a rating of Electronic Technicians Mate 3rd Class. Wayne attended WSC following his discharge from the Navy and became a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, and graduated with honors in 1949.

Wayne and Margaret Hunter married following his graduation and the couple moved to Pomeroy, WA where Wayne began his career in the grain industry with Continental Grain. The following year, Wayne and Marge moved to Walla Walla where Wayne went to work for the Walla Walla Grain Growers, and in 1962, Wayne was promoted to General Manager.

Wayne was actively involved in community service by serving as a youth baseball and basketball team coach, and Cub Scout Pack Master. He was Campaign Chairman for several local charity drives, including the March of Dimes and United Way, and served on the City Park Board. Wayne was a member of Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Elks, and Rotary.

In 1973, Wayne accepted a job with Cook Industries in Portland, OR to export NW grain to foreign markets. During his career in the grain industry, Wayne served as a member of the Washington Wheat Commission, Director of the National Grain and Feed Dealers Association, President of the Portland Grain Exchange, and President of the Pacific NW Grain Dealers Association.

Four years later, Wayne accomplished his dream of self-employment by returning to Walla Walla and creating Fondahn Grain in 1977, a business to facilitate the sale of NW grains to export markets in the coastal ports.

Wayne and Norene Howell married in 1977, after meeting in Portland, and began a happy, fun, and loving life together. Wayne and Norene thrived on sports, especially golf and bowling, and won numerous Mixed-Doubles Golfing Tournaments in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Over time, they were able to travel the world together and spend part of the winter down south with many Walla Walla friends. Norene, unfortunately, passed away from cancer far too young in 2007, and Wayne greatly grieved her loss.

Wayne continued to play a good game of golf, up to almost 94 years and appreciated the fellowship of his golf and coffee group friends.

Wayne was an active father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared trips, sports, and family events with his family to the end of his life.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Norene; father Joe; mother Lurena; sister Pauline; brother Bob; stepson Jeff Neufer; great-grandson J.J. Fondahn; and step-grandson Timothy Thorsen.

Wayne is survived by his sons, Dr. Dean (Cindi) Fondahn of St. Louis, MO; Dick (Maria) Fondahn of Walla Walla; and stepdaughters Vicki SanSebastian of Damascus, OR; and Pam Thorsen of Portland, OR; and stepdaughter-in-law Tammy Neufer of Apache Junction, AZ. He is also survived by grandchildren Paul Fondahn of Seattle, Dr. Emily Fondahn of St. Louis, Joe Fondahn, and Michael Fondahn of Walla Walla; and step-grandchildren Jeffrey Greenup, Michael Thorsen, Kristina Pemberton, J.J. Neufer, and Travis Neufer. Wayne felt blessed to have eleven great-grandchildren and treasured each phone call, letter, and drawing he received.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Walla Walla Country Club from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on Friday, September 16, 2022.