Wayne Mark Desilets

Minot

Wayne Mark Desilets was born on July 3, 1958, to Aurice W. and Ruth A. (Feland) Desilets, the youngest of seven siblings. His journey began with resilience. He survived a challenging bout of pneumonia at just four and a half months old and spent six weeks in the hospital before returning home in time for a poignant Christmas. Tragically, shortly after that, the family faced the loss of his sister, Linda.

His formative years were enriched by education in the Minot Public Schools, where he attended McKinley, Central Campus, and Magic City Campus. Wayne found joy in sports, notably playing football during middle school.

Wayne’s introduction to the working world commenced with him assisting his father’s endeavors in bulk plant and service station projects, home renovations, vehicle repairs, and dismantling the old Maxbass lumber yard. This early exposure equipped him with invaluable skills, evidenced when he once repaired a broken gas pump at a station, ensuring his journey could continue smoothly.

His adult years were marked by a significant presence in North Dakota’s oil field industry, notably with Nabors Oil, during which time he resided in Williston. Wayne’s compassion and generosity were evident in moments like when he aided a stranded family in winter, ensuring their safety.

His family life was rich with warmth and hospitality when he was younger. He delighted in entertaining guests with his culinary skills, particularly known for his delicious turkey dinners. In addition, Wayne was passionate about politics, delving into history–especially his family’s genealogy–and enjoying travel, the outdoors, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Amid fluctuations in the oil industry, Wayne transitioned to work at the VA in John Moses Hospital, later venturing into the construction trade as the owner/operator of Waywardly Construction. However, health challenges that plagued him for the rest of his life led to an early retirement.

His dedication to his mother’s well-being is shown in his purchasing her home and then making monthly payments well beyond its value. He also assisted his siblings with various endeavors, including late-night vehicle repairs that culminated in memorable moments, such as attending his grandmother’s funeral after a transmission replacement ordeal.

Throughout his life, he developed lasting friendships that went back to high school, the oil fields, and his time as a business owner. His friends found him to be trustworthy, honest, loyal, with a good sense of humor, resilient, and reliable to a fault. These friendships sustained him as his health and disappointments in life began to take a toll on him. Without their support, he would have passed away years ago. We, his siblings, extend a hearty thank you to these lifelong friends. You exemplify the meaning of true friendship.

Wayne is survived by his two children, Darrell and Elissa, and eight grandchildren, including three sets of twins. He is also survived by siblings Barbara Freels, Lima, OH; Sharon (Rob) Desilets-Lowe, Minot, ND; Gary (Deborah), Jeffersonton, VA; Shirley Finnesey, North Pole, AK; and Terri Solaroli, Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. Wayne’s wish for cremation will be honored, with a celebration of his life planned for a later date, ensuring his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 4, 2024.