Wayne Larsen passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2026, in The Villages, Florida at the age of 86. He was born, was raised and became a proud resident of the city of Waukegan, Illinois where he met Sandra Lee (Sandy), the love of his life and wife of more than 63 years. Together they created a close-knit family including their children Tracy and Chris and had a life filled with love, laughter, respect and kindness. He and Sandy also made their home in Lindenhurst, Illinois for several years and eventually retired together in The Villages, Florida. They led rich and active lives there with their activities and great friends for more than twenty years.

Wayne was well known as “Wayne the Barber” to most of the men and boys of Waukegan in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. He worked at and eventually owned Flagg’s Barbershop, the gathering place for a great haircut and for all of the Waukegan stories, politics, and gossip. In the 90’s, Wayne pivoted and worked hard to be licensed and become an Investment Advisor at Thrivent Financial for another 20 years.

Wayne was an avid athlete, becoming State tennis champion in high school and City tennis champion in his adult life. In his latter years, he took up Pickleball, played in the senior Olympics, and continued playing throughout his senior years.

Everyone who knew Wayne would say that he had the “gift of gab” and was never without a good story. He, also, taught his family that, “everyone has a story” and now his stories will be greatly missed.

Wayne leaves behind his beloved children daughter Tracy (Farryl) Kamai and son Chris (Angela) Larsen; his sister Karlene Kerscher; his grandchildren Darrien (Jordan) Kamai, Julianna Larsen, and Trinity Larsen; and great-granddaughter Sophia Lee. He is preceded in death by his light and wife, Sandy Larsen and his parents Karl and Isabelle Larsen.

A private memorial will be held for the immediate family.