Wayne W. Oberg

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Wayne W. Oberg, 76, of Waverly, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Friday, February 21, 2025. Wayne was born on September 8, 1948, in Lincoln, to Walter and Elvera Oberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Virgil. Left behind to cherish his loving memory are his wife Cathy Oberg, daughter Molly Hofker (Jordan), granddaughters Nora and Olivia Hofker, his sisters Delores Himmel and Donna Meisinger, and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne grew up and went to school in Waverly, and later went on to be a teacher, professor, farmer, and bookkeeper. He was always willing to drop everything to help those who needed a hand or to lend expertise – especially when it came to sharing his passion for a well-kept lawn and yard.

Wayne was also known for his ability to devise a solution to nearly any problem. His family’s motto was, “If Papa can’t fix it, no one can.” While he was a jack of all trades and found great joy in helping others, his favorite roles were husband to Cathy, father to Molly, father-in-law to Jordan, and “Papa” to Nora and Olivia.

In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, there will not be a public funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Nebraska FFA Foundation to honor Wayne’s love of agriculture and education.

Condolences online at www.roperandsons.com

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March 9, 2025

I am heartbroken to learn of your loss.

– Carolyn Prazak

March 9, 2025

Our family mourns Wayne’s passing and holds forever dear the memories of his life and times.

– Jon H. Oberg

March 7, 2025

Our deep, sincere sympathy on the loss of Wayne. Cathy, you have been a friend for many years and always cherish your time on KFOR. And, of Mother, Dorothy Applebee. Blessings Darrell and Clarice Bailey

– Darrell Bailey

March 5, 2025

I only knew Wayne through listening to Cathy on KFOR. Their daughter was born around the same time as our son. I remember that Wayne would drive her to the studio when the weather was bad and that their song was “Thank You for Being a Friend”. Cathy,Molly,Jordan,Nora and Olivia,I’m so sorry for your loss.

– Shirley

March 5, 2025

Cathy, I just saw this today. I am so sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. Kevin passed away at the end of December, and it is not an easy road. I am keeping you in my prayers. Love you so much.

– Mary Rittenburg

March 4, 2025

I haven’t seen Wayne since high school, but have fond memories of our years together, particularly participating in FFA activities. My sincere condolences to his family

– Dave Malone

March 4, 2025

Cathy, I remember when I lost my husband Duane in 2022, you sent me a very special card. Reinforced my belief that you are a kind, sweet person. So sorry to hear you lost Wayne. It’s a tremendous loss, the loss of a longtime mate. But I know your friends and family will help you through this very hard time.

– Pam Chase Holmes

March 4, 2025

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know my prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family.

– Renee Pickerel

March 4, 2025

Dear Cathy, Molly, Jordan, girls and your family, I am so sorry about your huge loss. Wayne was such a helpful and giving man. I had the pleasure of being Molly’s fifth grade teacher and got to know Cathy and Wayne. What a wonderful family! Wayne was such a great help to me! He was always there when we needed him to go with our class on a field trip or help with a class party or help one of my students who needed just a little bit of help with an assignment. Wayne had a positive impact on so many of my students! I’ll always be grateful to Wayne for his willingness to help in any way.

– Sue (Munn) Ochsner

March 2, 2025

Cathy and family, sorry to hear about Wayne, my condolences to all of you. I was an Ag Ed work study student under Wayne’s supervision in 1974. I will never forget how he took me under his wing and helped me transition to life in the big city of Lincoln. He always found work for me so I would have a place to hang out. I can remember taking the old, old extension bulletins, draft horse related, out of the Ag Ed library. I will always remember him for the help he gave me. Greg Nollette Nenzel, NE

– Greg Nollette

March 2, 2025

Cathy and family … I am sorry to hear about Wayne. I know you have wonderful memories from many years of time with him. I pray the memories will sustain and comfort you. I have always appreciated how you reached out with condolences for every one of my family members. May you feel the return of warmth of community support in the time ahead.

– Kim Hall

March 1, 2025

Wayne was a faithful and hard working Graduate Assistant in the Ag Ed Department at UNL. He made the teaching block function smoothly and provided multiple instances of encouragement and support to the student teachers in the Block. Countless hours of processing video files and duplicating audio tapes and keeping things working. He balanced farming and his role in teacher education with ease.