Wayne D. Courtney
Tuesday, August 21, 1951
Date of Death:
Friday, April 11, 2025
Age:
73 years old
Celebration of Life Gathering
Date: Tuesday April 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Somerby Golf Course [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Byron Cemetery [ view map ]
Funeral Mass:
Wayne's funeral Mass and burial will be held privately, for his family members. Please join them to celebrate Wayne at his Celebration, held at the Somerby Golf Course.
Tuesday, August 21, 1951
Date of Death:
Friday, April 11, 2025
Age:
73 years old
Tuesday, August 21, 1951
Date of Death:
Friday, April 11, 2025
Age:
73 years old
Wayne D. Courtney
Wayne “Red” Courtney, 73, of Byron, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 11, 2025.
Born on August 21, 1951, in Decorah, Iowa, to Bernard and Ann Amunrud, Wayne was raised in the Mabel-Canton area, where he graduated in 1969. His journey brought him to Rochester, where he pursued a two-year degree in accounting. In a beautiful chapter of his life, Wayne married his sweetheart, Julie Doughan of Hayfield, in 1971. Together, they celebrated the joys of family life, raising three daughters: Keri, Melissa, and Jennifer. Since 1987, Wayne and Julie built their home in Byron, cultivating a life rich in kindness, warmth, and love—a legacy that resonates with all who knew him.
Wayne’s work ethic was unmatched. He began his career at Rochester Meat Company in 1972, balancing various roles as a night-shift taxi driver and a farmer alongside his in-laws near Dexter. In 1999, Wayne, alongside two partners, acquired Rochester Meat Company, successfully leading the business until 2007. In 2012, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-own John Hardy’s BBQ, a venture he continued even into retirement.
Wayne was a man of many passions. He proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard and was a member of the Byron American Legion. Deeply rooted in his faith, he was a dedicated member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron, attending mass wherever his travels took him. Whether it was participating in bean bag leagues, playing cribbage, or shuffling cards, Wayne relished time spent with friends. However, his greatest passion was golf—he and Julie thrived as founding members of Somerby and explored courses across the country. A personal highlight was his remarkable achievement of scoring two hole-in-ones during a single round at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Wayne and Julie were seasonal residents of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. Passionate travelers, their adventures took them on cruises through the Panama Canal, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean.
Wayne was a full-fledged family man. Countless fond memories revolve around the adventures he shared with loved ones. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan, always cheering them on to success. Whether it was annual family trips to Las Vegas, savoring raspberry sundaes, evening cruises around the Whitefish Chain, or chats around the fire pit with country music and a brandy and Pepsi in hand, Wayne embraced every moment of togetherness. Known far and wide as the “condiment king,” he ensured every meal was accompanied by a delightful variety of sauces.
He is survived by his loving wife Julie, their daughters “the girls” Keri Dahnert (Tait), Melissa Langager, and Jennifer Ayshford (Will), along with his beloved grandchildren: Trevor (Eleena), Trenton and Tessa Dahnert, Dominic, Blake, and Sydney Langager, and Rex and Reese Ayshford. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Ruth Henrie, mother-in-law, Bonnie Doughan and Brazilian foreign exchange daughter, Danda Bortolini. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard Courtney, Hank and Ann Amunrud, his father-in-law, Gene Doughan, his sister, Darlene Manning, brother-in-law Jim Henrie.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Wayne’s care team, with special gratitude to Dr. Costello.
A private Mass and burial will be held. A Celebration of Life open house will take place on April 22, 2025, from 3–7 PM at Somerby Golf Course in Byron, MN, all are welcome to honor his legacy.
Memorials are preferred to “Christ the King Catholic Church Mortgage in Byron”, “Gift of Life”, “St. Croix Hospice” or “Donor’s Choice”
Wayne Courtney will be deeply missed, yet his spirit will shine on in the hearts and lives of all who had the honor of knowing him.
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Condolences
The family of Wayne D. Courtney has received the following condolences.
Julie & Family,
We were saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to all of his family members and to those who knew and loved him.
We have the fondest memories of him as a classmate of the great "Class of 69". He was a quiet, soft-spoken, kind and thoughtful person. We know that he had a great impact of the community of Byron. We commend him on a life well-lived.
The saying goes "that when we lose a "loved one" here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven. You can trust that Wayne will be lovingly watching over you and will be sending you blessings from heaven."
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck & Sharon Ehler - Classmates
We're thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wayne will surely be missed.
Cheryl & Mike
I worked at the Canton Coffee Shop in Canton around 1968-1972. I loved working with Ann.
My sympathy to the whole family. My name then was Beverly Pederson.
Truly sorry to hear. Red was a true leader at RMC. He was not just an owner he was one of the heads of the family. He truly cared about the employees and the product. It wasn’t just about making money. He was missed the day he left the company.
Julie and family,
I was saddened to see that Wayne has passed. I was a high school classmate of his and have warm memories of him from then. He and I had were both red heads, I was called Red as well. My memories are of a kind, quiet, "nice" guy. From the words shared about his accomplishments, friendships, and his love of family, he is exactly who I would of expected him to be, a fine man. I enjoyed seeing seeing him looking so well last June at our reunion. Sympathies to your family. Cheryl Olson McDougall
This man was the best! Kind, intelligent and humble. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. I will miss him tremendously and my heart breaks for his family.
Julie and family,
No words can be written that would add to what everyone else has said, but maybe just reinforce what’s already known. Red was a great guy. His sense of humor, his love for family and friends, and just the general compassion he had for everyone. He was a kind and thoughtful friend. I got to know him in Florida and I know I’ll never forget him. He truly was “one of a kind”.
Heaven got a good one.
Dave Hultgren
We’re so very sorry for your loss.Prayers for your family.
Julie and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Red for 16 years at RMC and can still hear his laugh and see the twinkle in his eye. Such a big heart! He will always be with you. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Dear Julie, girls and family - my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
What a terrific and awesome person!! I had the pleasure of working with and for him for over 30 years, I'm grateful for his knowledge and our friendship over the years and wonderful memories of the girls growing up.
My heart goes out to you all at this difficult time.
Dawn
Julie, I am so sorry. My sympathies to you and your family. If you have any questions about all the stuff that needs to be done, I can try to answer them. Please take care of yourself.
"Red" you will be missed. We have so many great memories as we started the Somerby journey and it will never be the same without you. Our prayers to Julie and the rest of the Courtney family in hopes that all of the good times, laughter and memories will give you the strength to get through this difficult time.
Dear Julie and Family, Sending you our sympathy and prayers on Wayne’s passing. May he rest in peace. Wayne just had the Kindest way he treated everyone. Keeping you in our prayers from Aunt Marcie and Dave.
Wayne was a top notch, all around great guy and friend to many! He was known and loved by a multitude of people. Thoughts and prayers to Julie and family. So many wonderful memories, I am sure, with a loving family that experienced so many adventures/trips together.