Irvin Wayne

Feldmann

Irvin “Wayne” Feldmann, age 82, of Godfrey, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on November 12, 2026. He was born on August 4, 1944, in Alton, Illinois, to the late Irvin Feldmann and Eve Dare.

Wayne was a devoted friend, husband, father/grandfather, and follower of Christ. He never knew a stranger, his kind spirit making everyone around him feel welcome. Wayne loved to ask, “Whattya know, kid?” inevitably the reply was, “I don’t know” to which he shared the best wisdom of all, “Well, do you know Jesus?” Then you know everything.” Throughout his walk with God, he faithfully served for many years as both a deacon and an elder. Praising Jesus was so much more than something Wayne did on Sundays; it was how he lived his life each day and in every way. He could often be found at the kitchen table surrounded by his Strong’s Concordance, several Bible translations, and reference tools, eagerly studying God’s Word. Even as Alzheimer’s caused him to forget many of his cherished memories and daily habits, there was one thing he never forgot: his love for Jesus. Wayne wholeheartedly believed in the power of prayer, and even when so much else became difficult to remember, he never forgot to pray. Some might even say his favorite word was “Jesus.”

Wayne was a hardworking man who took pride in everything he did. If you knew Wayne, you knew he never ran out of dad jokes. It didn’t matter if you’d heard the same joke fifty times; he was always happy to tell it fifty-one. Wayne lived a long beautiful life from which he had no regrets; acquiring many stories along the way which he, being a great and avid story teller, loved to share.

Wayne never held back the “I love you”s, “I’m proud of you”s, his hugs, his smiles, or even his winks. To his family, Wayne was more than a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was their steady foundation, a man whose wisdom and judgment could always be trusted. When Papa spoke, his word carried weight because he had earned everyone’s respect. He listened carefully, considered every side, and weighed the consequences before making decisions. And when he made up his mind, well, that was usually the end of the discussion! His family knew his decisions came from a place of wisdom, fairness, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful kind leadership and efficient problem-solving that will continue through generations.

That same wisdom carried into his remarkable ability to fix just about anything, especially cars. Wayne retired from Ford Motor Company after 33 years of dedicated service. During his career, he received an “Employee Involvement” award for designing and implementing the “St. Louis Slipper,” an innovation that improved the quality of the Ford Aerostar at the St. Louis Assembly Plant.

Outside of his relationship with Jesus and work, Wayne enjoyed life’s simple pleasures; a strong cup of coffee, all desserts and the TV show MASH. He loved fishing; especially his many trips to

Sardis, Mississippi. He treasured time with family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed roller skating and riding his motorcycle.

On June 24, 1972, Wayne married the love of his life, Timmy Feldmann, who survives. Together, they shared more than 54 beautiful years of marriage built on faith, laughter, commitment, and an incredibly deep love that stood the test of time. Their marriage could never be measured simply by the number of years they spent together. The life they built and the challenges they faced hand in hand created an epic love story. Even as Alzheimer’s changed so much about their daily lives, it could never erase the love they shared. Timmy remained faithfully by his side, demonstrating a devotion that spoke louder than words. Their love and marriage was a promise they lived out every day. Wayne really couldn’t keep his eyes off Timmy and she would be the first to tell you just how handsome Wayne was, especially when the summer sun brought out his deep, dark tan.

Together, Wayne and Timmy shared four children whom they treasure: John (Jamie) Weaver, Douglas (Sheryl) Feldmann of Brighton, Tracy Richee of Alton, and Jeffery (Cassie) Feldmann of Willow Springs, Missouri. Wayne doted on his kids and grandkids, offering them either advice or laughter at every turn. Wayne greatly adored his eight grandchildren: John (Ashley) Weaver of O’Fallon, Diedra (Joel) Little of Godfrey, Hannah (Ian) Caveny of Godfrey, Sarah (Corbin) Burford of Brighton, Beth (Mike) Goleaner of Granite City, Alex (Nicole) McClary of Brighton, Alexus (Todd) Lanham of Monroe, Missouri, and Cody Weaver of Shipman. His legacy continues through his seventeen great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, Rockie (Judy) Dare of Florida.Wayne was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Stegal; his brother, Richard Feldmann; and his son, John Weaver.

Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Until we see you again, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Visitation and celebration of life service will be held at Wayne and Timmy’s home church, Beltline Christian Center located at 310 Oakwood Ave., Alton, IL62002 on 11/21/26. Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm, service starts at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Wayne’s honor to Evelyn’s House.Donation website: https://www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/Give-Evelyns-House.

The family is being served by Gent Funeral Home, 2409 State Street, Alton, Illinois 62002.