Obituary for Wayne T. Slack

Wayne T. Slack, 88, of Ackley, Iowa, passed peacefully at Grand JiVante` on Sunday, March 23, 2025.  After a long stay in the hospital, he died from complications of reoccurring lymphoma.

Wayne was born on January 30, 1937, in New Hampton, Iowa, the son of Ted and Arlene Slack.  He was baptized on March 7th, 1937, and confirmed on May 13, 1957, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Hampton.

He graduated from New Hampton High School in 1955.  Wayne then attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, graduating with a B.A. degree in 1959.  He was a three and four letter winner in baseball and basketball respectively.  It was also there that he met Irma, who would become his lifelong companion.

Wayne began his teaching career in Traer, Iowa, as a math and science teacher for 7th-8th grades.  He coached jr. high athletics for boys and also served as varsity basketball coach for two seasons.

On June 12, 1960, Wayne was united in marriage to Irma Jean Steffens at First Lutheran Church in Manchester, Iowa.  They continued to live in Traer until the fall of 1962 when they moved to Ackley, Iowa.  There Wayne continued to teach and coach at the jr. high level.

During the next five years, Wayne pursued an advanced degree in addition to his teaching duties.  In 1969, he completed his Masters Degree in School Administration from the University of Northern Iowa.  In the interim, Wayne became the Ackley-Geneva elementary school principal, a position he held for 27 years.

Wayne retired from education in 1994 after 35 years.  Following his retirement, he lived out his remaining years doing his favorite things, fishing, visiting family, gardening, traveling with friends and more fishing.  He was a charter member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Ackley.  He also served his church in various capacities including church council, treasurer and choir member.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Irma, of 64 years, daughters Cotta Jean (Doug) Ungerer and Colette (Charlie) Farner, a sister Sharon (John) Knight.  Granddaughters Caitlyn (Ryan) Harrelson, Hannah (Zack) Lemay and grandsons, Alex (Madison) Farner, Zach Farner, Jacob Farner, two ‘greats’ Ms. Quinn and Carson; as well as in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, an infant sister and a number of good friends.  A Celebration of Life for Wayne will be held in June 2025.