Wayne Alton Quellhorst

Wayne Alton Quellhorst, 87, of Wapakoneta, passed away Sunday morning, February 1, 2026 at The Gardens of Wapakoneta. He was born January 6, 1939, in Minster, the son of Alton & Eunice (Gritzmaker) Quellhorst. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and younger brother, Paul Quellhorst, sister-in-law, Arlene Graham & brothers-in-law, Fredrick Parish and Mike Parrish, Judy's parents, Fredrick & Golda Parish. On January 7, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Lee Parish, she preceded him in death in March, 22, 2020. They were married for 62 years. Wayne is survived by his sister Deborah Ann (Gary) McElroy and Judy's sister, Shirley (Richard, deceased) Piper, his special friend, Carol Jean Heidt. Wayne & Judy raised three beautiful children: Anthony (Cindy Elliott) Quellhorst, Todd (Pam Mellor) Quellhorst, Tracy (Mark) McDonald. Grandchildren: Jessica (Frank) Espel, Nathan (Alexandra) Quellhorst, Wade (Brittany) McDonald, Brea (Jacob) Barrett, Morgan (Chris) Duncan., step-grandchildren, Nathan (Melanie) Binkley, and Audrey (Tyler) Bickford Great-Grandchildren: Charles Espel, Anders & Vivienne Quellhorst, Paige, Peyton, Parker McDonald, Step-great grandchild, Avalynn Binkley, and several nieces and nephews. Trucking was in Wayne's blood at an early age, he worked for his dad's business of Sealtest Milk. He couldn't pass a truck stop without going thru the parking lot and seeing the different trucks and trucking companies. After his dad sold the Sealtest Milk business, he worked for Canteen Vending Company, Wehnam Transportation, Scott Lad Trucking and then he landed at Marathon Oil Company and retired from there after 30 years. He wasn't done yet, he drove school bus for the Wapakoneta City Schools and also Midwest Logistics and Peterman Sudden Service. He received the Golden Achievement Award for having over fifty years of dedicated trucking service from the American Truck Historical Society. Wayne's memberships included being a charter member of the Jaycees and an active member of the Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimist Club (served as President 2006-2007). As an Optimist, he was on the Mowing Team at Parades and when he couldn't walk as much, he drove the trailer for them. Wayne belonged to St. Paul United Church of Christ Congregation of Wapakoneta where he had been on Church Council for 10 years served at funeral meals and was on the Call to Care Committee where he visited homebound members. He was a volunteer at God's Storehouse. He was a member of the Hamer Lodge #167, F.& A.M., Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, the Antioch Shrine, Dayton, and the Wapakoneta Eagles #691. During his children's lives, he was a volunteer of the Midget Football team, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Wayne was a member of the last graduating class of 1958 from Blume High School. He loved going to Sprint car and go-cart races and watching Nascar, working on the farm with his dad and on the Berg Farm, playing cards and camping. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Paul Bomeli officiating. The family will receive family & friends from 9-11 a.m. before his funeral at the church. Graveside services at Resthaven Memorial Gardens will follow his funeral. Because of his love of animals, in leu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Auglaize Co. Humane Society in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Wayne Alton Quellhorst

January 6, 1939 - February 1, 2026