Wayne E. Curlile

Wayne Edward Curlile was born on April 10, 1937, in Eddyville, Nebraska, to M.E. and Marie (Nelson) Curlile. He graduated from Westerville High School in 1955 before earning his B.A. from Kearney State Teachers' College. Wayne continued his education at Northwest Missouri State University, where he earned his M.Ed., and later pursued his Advanced Studies Degree at Iowa State University.

On January 11, 1958, Wayne was united in marriage with Velaine Yeck in Kearney, Nebraska. Together, they had four children. Wayne taught at a rural school in Custer County for four years. Wayne and Velaine then moved to Northboro, Iowa, where Wayne served as an elementary principal for the Shenandoah CSD for four years before settling in Manning. Wayne dedicated 21 years as the elementary principal for Manning Community School District before being named superintendent of schools, a position he held for 15 years until his retirement in June 2001.

In 2001, Wayne and Velaine moved to Reno, Texas, where he completed the “Walk to Emmaus.” In 2005, they returned to Manning but continued to winter in Texas. Wayne was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Lodge, and the Order of the Eastern Star. In their free time, he and Velaine enjoyed dancing, traveling, reading, and gardening.

Wayne passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Manning Regional Hospital, at the age of 87 years, 10 months, and 27 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his children: Edith Kay Curlile, Dr. Jay Curlile, and Sonya Curlile; great-grandson, Gibson Doyle Wagoner; sister, Wanda Davidson (Dennis); sisters-in-law, Eileen Wood, Darline Curlile and Barbara Simon; brother-in-law, Charles Wanitschke; parents-in-law, Sibyl and Marion Yeck.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Velaine of Manning; daughter, Cynthia (Jeff Bauer) of Manning; four grandchildren: Angela (Aaron) Wagoner, Andrew (Chandran) Lapel, Joseph Lapel, and Jordan (Hillary) Lapel; eight great-grandchildren: Adalyn, Cavan, Anabelle, Landry, Nels, Laine, Larkin and Jordan Junior; sisters: Irma Wanitschke, Donna (Ron) Crosby and Carol Swanson; brother-in-law, M.E. Yeck; and many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., also at Ohde Funeral Home followed by burial in the Manning Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for a future scholarship to be provided in Wayne’s name.