(veteran)

Wayne W. Wise, 79

Services for Wayne W. Wise, 79 who died March 3, 1994 at Immanuel Medical Center from complication of chronic lymphatic leukemia were Sunday, March 6 at Countryside Community Church in Omaha. Rev. Kenneth Colman and Dr. Myrvin Christopherson of Dana College officiated. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Manson, Iowa March 7.

Wayne Willmar Wise was born May 3, 1914 in rural Manson, Iowa to Golda and Glenn Wise. After graduation from Manson High School in 1931, he played in dance bands during the Depression.

He joined the 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division shortly after mobilization for World War II, first in Ireland, England, North Africa and Italy.

He directed and arranged for the Rhythm Majors, a jazz band spinoff of the 133rd Infantry Band. They entertained troops, dignitaries, royalty and had stints at the Palladium in London.

He received bachelor’s degree in music from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa; a master’s degree in music education from Drake University and a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Indiana.

He taught in Minnesota and Iowa before joining the music faculty at Dana College in Blair in 1957. While band director at Dana, he also taught advanced music theory, music education and instrumental music and composed and arranged many works for the ands performances both on campus and on tour. He retired in 1978 as professor emeritus of music at Dana.