Wayne Birchard passed away peacefully in his home on October 28, 2021, at 70 years of age in Atlantic, Iowa. He was born in Lake City, IA on January 15, 1951, the son of Eugene and Donna (Alcox) Birchard. After graduating from Lake City High School in 1969, he entered military service as a Private in the US Marine Corps. A short tenure due to health issues brought him back to Iowa.
He worked for a concrete contractor in the upper Midwest, eventually settling in Atlantic, IA. There he met his wife, eventually having 3 children to complete his family. He also began his job with the State of Iowa with the Iowa Lottery, where he would work for 40 years until retiring in 2018.
Wayne’s work with the State of Iowa took him around much of Southwest Iowa. He was always quick with a joke or a story to share with the people he would cross paths with. Wayne found his life’s true passion in 2009 when he first became “Papa”. He loved playing with, and especially teasing, all of his grandkids. Upon retirement he spent as much time as possible visiting them and would beam with pride whenever he talked about them. He lived a blessed life with his family and many friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene & Donna Birchard, and a sister, Jane Schwartz. Wayne is survived by his children, Emilee Birchard (Eric Dorsey) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Bryan (Kristen) Birchard of Ottumwa, Iowa and Mollie (Juan) Sanchez of Lennox, South Dakota; a brother, Warren (Karen) Birchard of Des Moines, Iowa; “Papa” had seven grandchildren as well, and a host of relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA with Emilee Birchard officiating. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 5 pm till 7 pm at the funeral home. Memorials will be in his name to honor his grandchildren and can be left or mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 523 – Atlantic, IA. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is caring for the Birchard family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfuneralhomes.com
