Wayland D. Den

Wayland D. Den, 85, of Auburn, son of Ralph C. and Mabel (Farson) Den was born Oct. 28, 1927 at Brownville, NE. He attended grade school and graduated from Brownville High School. Immediately after graduation he Joined enlisted in the United States Navy, taking basic training  at San Diego Naval Station and serving aboard the U.S.S. Oaklahoma City, after being injured aboard ship he received a Honorable Medical Discharge. Wayland returned to Brownville where he worked various jobs, including two years as Nemaha County Veterans Service Officer, before working in the construction business.

He moved to David City, NE where he was very active with David City Volunteer Fire Dept. and was and was one of the first registered EMT-A in Nebraska. He served eight years on the Ambulance Advisory Board. Wayland was on the David City, City Council, and was elected President of the council three of the four years he served. He was a active member of the Masonic Lodge, Fidelity # 51 for 46 years at David City, and transferred his membership to the Nemaha Valley Lodge #4 in Brownville, NE when he returned to the area.

Wayland was very active in the American Legion he served as Post Commander for Post #23 in Auburn, District Commander of District 13, Area Commander of Area “C” and was very proud to serve as Department Commander of Department of Nebraska. One of the most important accomplishments, while serving as Department Commander, was to help bring to reality, the New Veterans Home at Norfolk, NE. He was Chef-De Gar of Nemaha County 40/8 Voiture 1572. Serving the National American Legion Wayland was Vice Chairman of the Distinquished Guest Committee.

Wayland and Bernice Allen, were married at Zion Lutheran Church where both are members and each served on the Church Council. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Rodney Wayne Den, and four brothers.

He is survived by his wife Bernice Den of Auburn, NE; sons Randy Den and wife Cheryl of Salt Lake City, UT;Tom Spragg and wife Roma of Columbus, NE; daughters, Kathy Anderson and husband Dennis of Auburn, NE; Holly Ternus and husband Steve of Columbus, NE; and Denise Den and husband Robert Jones of Lincoln, NE; nine grandchildren, four great-granddaughters, four great-grandsons, two sisters-in-law Kaye Den of Edmonton, Washington, and Thelma Den of Auburn, NE; nieces nephews other relatives and friends.

 A funeral service for Wayland Den will be held Saturday, April 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church near Johnson, NE. Burial of his ashes will be Saturday, April 20^th at 10 a.m. at the Sheridan Cemetery in Auburn. Military graveside honors will be provided by U.S. Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post #23 of Auburn.

Visitation and viewing is scheduled for Friday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn. Masonic services will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home.

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