Wayne Manley Tjader

Wayne Manley Tjader, 93, of Bridgman passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at his home in the care of his family.  

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9650 Church Street, Bridgman, MI 49106, with Reverend Carl Bassett, officiating. Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Wayne was born on March 24, 1930 in Chicago, the son of the late Gustaf and Ruth (Sveberg) Tjader. On November 7, 1953 he married Shirley Ott and they shared 70 years together and had 5 daughters. Wayne was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bridgman. Wayne was an Air Force Veteran of 4 years serving during the Korean Conflict as a crew chief on a KC-97 Tanker. He retired from the D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant in 1994 after 24 years of service. Wayne was a firefighter for the Bridgman communities for 22 years. He was a private pilot, owning and flying many different single engine airplanes. Wayne had many hobbies including deer hunting, spending time at the cabin up north, yard work, gardening, and even owning a saw sharpening business. Wayne also built a number of homes in the Bridgman area.

Survivors include his wife: Shirley; children: Sharon Tjader, Donna (Jeff) Weaver, Jan (Jim) Mercier, Sandra Tjader-Kempski, and Jennifer King; grandchildren: Derek (Shelby) Weaver, Kali (David) Botello, Tyler (Brooke) Weaver, Joshua (Lisa) Tjader, Matthew (Kaci) Jones, Brittany Mercier, and Alex King; great grandchildren: Jett, Cash, Laney, Coy, Nathan, Marley, Stevie, Evan, Emily, Alina, Aubrey, Kodi, and Ryan. Wayne treasured his wife and family but above all, he treasured his faith in the Lord.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106.