Wayne D. Lematta

Wayne Delbert Lematta, 82, of Ellendale, ND was born May 22, 1926 on the family farm. He was the son of Herman and Ina (Hanhela) Lematta. Wayne attended rural school in Ada Township near Ellendale. In 1944 Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent two years in the service including 14 months in the Philippine Islands. On June 20, 1948, Wayne married Laura Barton in Ellendale. Wayne and Laura bought Wayne’s family farm and farmed there for 6 years. In 1949 Wayne contracted polio and they then moved to Ellendale until they purchased a farm east of town. They lived on the farm until 1992 when they moved to a house on Pheasant Lake west of Ellendale. Laura died October 5, 2003. Wayne continued to reside at his home on Pheasant Lake where he died February 23, 2009. Wayne was elected Dickey County Auditor serving 36 years from 1954 to 1991. In April 1970, Wayne was nominated for the Governors Outstanding Handicapped Citizen Award. He served as president of the ND County Auditors Association and in 1988 was honored as top county auditor of the state by his peers. Wayne was chairman of the Dickey County March of Dimes fund drive for 14 years and served on the Dickey Rural Water Users Board from 1991-2006. Wayne was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. Wayne and Laura were charter members of Christ the King Lutheran Church serving on the church council for many years. Wayne is survived by his daughter: Linda (Dale) Kessler, Jamestown, ND; one son: Daryl (Wonada) Lematta, Ellendale, ND; six grandchildren: Justin (Heather) Lematta, Ellendale, Joshua (Nicci) Lematta, Ellendale, Jerrod (Joni) Lematta, Fargo, ND, Jacob Lematta, Ellendale, Lauren (Darcy) Brandenburg, Fargo, Jaime Kessler, Jamestown; four great granddaughters: Jennah, Haleigh, Kaisa and Hannah Lematta all of Ellendale; one great grandson: Jackson Lematta, Ellendale; two brothers: Ben and Robert Lematta both of Sun City West, AZ. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three brothers: Arnold, Edward and Enright; three sisters: Lola, Frances, Ruth and two infant brothers. The funeral is 2pm Friday at Christ The King Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Galen Sylvester officiating. Burial is at North Savo Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery, rural Frederick, SD. Visitation is 2-8pm Thursday with a prayer service at 7pm at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale and visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale, ND.