Wayne Henry Risch, Sr., 67, of Berwick passed away at 12:37 PM on Friday, March 4, 2016, in Berwick Hospital Center, following a sudden health crisis.
He was the son of the late Carl Henry Risch and Louise May (Eisenhauer) Risch. He was a 1966 graduate of Milton Hershey School where he was an Honor Student, Chess Champion, and Class Photographer. Upon graduating, he was offered a scholarship from the Chicago Culinary Institute, he instead joined the Air Force. After leaving on medical discharge, he worked as a prison guard in Columbia County, while putting his wife through nursing school.
Known to locals as Wade, he has been a business owner in Columbia County since 1978. Some of his trades include baking and candy making, carnival food and concessions, mechanics and auto sales. In the 90’s, he owned Glory Rides Limo Service. He was an auto dealer since 1978, operating Risch’s Auto Sales and Transmission Service, and later, W.A.D.E. Motors. He was also a Notary Public. He served 5 surrounding counties as a Humane Animal Police Officer, and was the co-founder/trustee of Purrfect Love Humane Society, as well as serving as a volunteer for the Animal Resource Center. He was currently serving on Briar Creek Borough Zoning Board. He cared about people in the community and was a friend to many.
Wayne was a born-again Christian, supporting member of the 700 Club since 1985. He was a former member of Berwick Assembly of God and New Life Fellowship, Briggsville. He is a former member of the Danville Area Jaycees, where he received an award for Director of the Year. Wayne was also a long time social member of Berwick VFW post #821.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 47 years, Darla Kay (Ash) Risch; son, Wayne H. Risch, Jr., Berwick; daughter, Shauna Marie Moylan and husband William, Apple Valley, CA; grandchildren, Deidre, Peyton, Cale, Keegan, Asa, Bailey, Ezra, and Quincy; brother, Carl J Risch and wife Lenore, Bloomsburg; sisters, Shirley J. Cox and husband Russell, Fayetteville, NC; Beverly Smith Hess, Catawissa.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert MacArthur Risch, and Lynnwood James Risch.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 11, 2016 at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck. Viewing hours are Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Purrfect Love Humane Society, P.O. Box 165, Nescopeck, PA 18635.
Matthew 25:21 – His lord said unto him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Online messages of comfort can be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com