Wayne John

Stroessner

Wayne John Stroessner, 92, of Random Lake, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on November 8, 2026.

Born May 7, 1934, to Walter and Rose Stroessner, Wayne graduated from Lakeland College in 1956 and earned a Master of Science in Teaching in biological sciences from the University of Montana in 1964. A four-sport college athlete, he was inducted into Lakeland’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1979.

Wayne began his teaching career in Athens, Wisconsin, in 1956. After two years, he moved to Mineral Point, then joined Monroe High School in 1962, where he taught biology and earth science for 28 years and retired in 1990. He also advised the Science Club and coached track and freshman football.

Service and leadership were central to Wayne’s life. He devoted his time and talents to the Random Lake Lions Club and Wisconsin Badger Camp, where he served in leadership roles and helped create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. He was also a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Random Lake.

A passionate environmentalist, Wayne brought a scientist’s curiosity and a teacher’s persistence to protecting the natural world. As president of the Wisconsin Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign (now Wisconsin Interfaith Power & Light), he encouraged faith communities to put environmental stewardship into practice. Wayne saw the promise of a cleaner energy future early and advocated for decades for hydrogen’s role in moving society beyond fossil fuels.

Wayne led by example. He frequently wrote letters to newspapers and public officials, making the case for solar, hydrogen, and other clean-energy solutions. He installed solar panels on his home long before they became commonplace, was among the first to drive a hybrid, and later proudly drove an electric vehicle. For years, he volunteered with the Citizen Lake Monitoring Program on Random Lake, collecting samples, recording observations, and training others to continue the work.

A resourceful builder and lifelong woodworker, he built much of his own house. He always maintained a home workshop and especially loved turning bowls and candlesticks on his lathe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rose; his wife, Carole; and his son, Kirk. He is survived by his sons Scott (Brenda), Steven (Kerri), and Aaron (Sanny); his stepchildren Mark Lloyd, Erik Bieck (Trudy), and Julie Cummings (Sean); eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and no formal gathering will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wisconsin Badger Camp or the Random Lake Association.