Obituary of Wayne W. Tornberg

Tornberg, Wayne W.

Saginaw, Michigan

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 31, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old. Wayne Walter Tornberg was born on January 11, 1947 in Bessemer, MI to the late Viljo Walter and Anna Mae (Davey) Tornberg. He attended school in Bessemer, and he married Mary Lee Vernetti. Together they moved to the Saginaw area in 1969, and they raised their three sons: Wayne II, Jason and Justin. Wayne worked for General Motors for over 30 years, and he made many friends and retired in 1997. In August of 1996, he married Marlene (Kabobel) Brownlee, and she preceded him in death on February, 18, 1997. During his retirement he worked part-time for Crooked Creek and the City of Saginaw. He loved to golf, bowl, spend time in the gym, playing softball, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family and friends. He married his lifelong friend, Susan K. (Dixon) Smith on February 27, 2004, and she survives him.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Susan; sons: Wayne Walter “Buddy” II (Julie) Tornberg, Jason Natale Tornberg and Justin Scott (Candace) Tornberg; step-children: Jennifer Smith, Darrell Brownlee, Brett Brownlee, Charles Smith, Samantha Smith, Matilda (Ronnie) Smith and Katie Smith; grandchildren: Toni, Aiden and Jade Tornberg, Alyssa Tornberg, Hannah Nalewyko, Lauren Tornberg and Wade Tornberg, Alex and Kristin Jablonski, Payton Brownlee, Skyla Tornberg, Syilas Smith-Brookins and Journee Mae Cicero; brother, Dale “Festus” Tornberg; former spouse, Mary Lee Cronkright; many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Marlene (Kabobel) Tornberg; and his brother, Ronald “Baldy” Tornberg. 

FUNERAL: A funeral service for Wayne will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Tom Herzberg will officiate. Cremation will follow the funeral service.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Compassus Hospice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com