Wayne Douglas Stafford

Wayne Douglas Stafford, 79, of Chandler, AZ, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Chandler Regional Medical Center.

Wayne was born in Webster City, IA on August 19, 1945, to Harris and Ila (McDonald) Stafford. He graduated from Grinnell High School in 1963 and then attended Ellsworth Community College for a few semesters.

Wayne served honorably with the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970, earning the rank of Sgt. He was a munitions specialist/supervisor and was stationed in both Thailand and Germany during the Vietnam War. During his service, he met and served with his two life-long friends, Henry and Jerry.

Wayne married JoAnn Shutt and moved to Moorhead, MN in 1972. Together they raised two sons, Thad and Brian, and stepdaughter, Stacy. Wayne had several occupations throughout his life, including Sales Manager at Hall-Allen Shoes and Shipping Manager at GPK Products. He also served on the board of the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association and as president of the Lions Club.

After retirement in 2011, Wayne decided he’d had enough of the cold Minnesota winters, so he moved to Chandler, AZ, with his dog Bo. He fostered many friendships while living there, including his dear friends, Patti and Gary. Up until last year, he traveled back north during the summer months and watched his grandchildren’s sports activities, played golf, and attended birthdays and graduations.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roger, and his brother David. He is survived by his sons Thad (Bonnie), Moorhead, MN, Brian (Emily), Charlotte, NC, and stepdaughter Stacy (Jeff) Nelson, Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren Ryan, Kate, Olivia, Keely, and Brady; step-grandchildren Ashley and Shane; and his brother Lee (Kaye), Elizabethtown, KY.

Wayne especially loved fishing and spending time outdoors. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Waters organization, which helps heal military veterans through coordinating fishing and outdoor activities: https://www.woundedwaters.org/index.html

Wayne will be laid to rest on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix), with full honors. An informal Celebration of Life will take place at the Casas Del Campo Mobile Home Park (Chandler) immediately afterward.