Wayne Oien

Born May 12, 1954 in Marquette, MI, he was the son of the late Robert Paul and the late Merle Olive (Greenway) Oien. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School (1973). He earned his Corrections Officer certificate from Northern Michigan University. Wayne worked for the State of Michigan as a corrections officer at Baraga Prison. He received the honor of “Michigan State Officer of the Year” in 2012. He retired after 25 years of service to the State of Michigan.

Wayne was an accomplished professional musician. He was co-founder of “Superior Pipes and Drums,” the first pipe band in the UP. Wayne was a member of many music groups, including the Ishpeming Blue Notes and Drum Corps, The Munising Castle Rangers, Destiny, The Union Pacific and Centerline Bands. He was generous in sharing his expertise in drumming by teaching others and had a significant impact on thousands of musicians through his drumming instruction.

Wayne continued to hone his talent with a focused dedication to the art, even earning “First Place for Rudimentary Snare Solo” (2011) for Drum Corps Associates, which gave him a World Championship. Wayne also greatly enjoyed taking road trips, watching the ore boats, researching shipping on the Great Lakes, meeting new people and sharing his avid interests. Wayne was first and foremost a proud father and grandfather who loved his family and many friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife Debra (Johnson) Oien his children Kris (Ryan) Tunteri of Ishpeming, Jennifer (Christopher) Goodall of Charleston, SC, Paul A. (Sheila Wang) Oien of Alma, MI, and Adam (Lindsay Black) Johnson of Marquette; his brother Alan Oien of Ishpeming and his honorary brother Pierre Ogea; his grandchildren Coraline and Holden Goodall and Marshall Johnson; and his sisters: Karen (Bill) Morchin and Nancy (Roth) Swain.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father Robert Paul Oien, and his mother Merle Olive (Greenway) Oien.

Wayne’s family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16 at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming.

The memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. J. J. Mannschreck officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Ishpeming High School, c/o Band Instrument Fund, 319 E. Division Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Wayne’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkand zhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.