Wayne Lee Rahmeier, 64, of Salina, Kansas, peacefully went to meet his Savior on July 30, 2025. He was born to Alice Ann (Baumann) Rahmeier and Ernest Henry Rahmeier on December 31, 1960. He was a cherished brother to Bob Rahmeier, Linda Rahmeier Smittle, Diane Rahmeier Graham, and Larry Rahmeier. From an early age, Wayne taught us love, patience, acceptance, and empathy. In his later years, he reminded us to “be cool” when things didn’t go our way.
Wayne loved to greet people with a cheerful “Good Morning!” He connected with others by mimicking their words. Wayne also loved the soft feel of fleece. He preferred to wear fleece pajama pants year-round and he seldom went anywhere without carrying his especially fluffy (and well-loved) yellow emoji pillow, a fleece throw, and a string of Christmas tree lights.
The Christmas season – and especially Christmas lights and music – brought Wayne joy. He was thrilled at being able to see the millions of colorful flashing lights at Illuminations in Wichita last Christmas. Resting in his rocker-recliner at home, he’d often remove his glasses and bend over to within a couple inches of his Kindle to see the twinkling lights on YouTube Christmas videos. He loved flipping through magazines to look for Christmas trees, lights, blinds, and other pictures he recognized.
Wayne loved watching the Kansas sports teams, especially the Jayhawks, the Chiefs, and the Royals.
Wayne needed special education and support throughout his life. When he was young, many friends and family helped with his Doman-Delacato patterning program, a specific type of physical therapy designed to rewire the brain. We are grateful for their kindness at the time and throughout Wayne’s life.
Wayne moved from our family home in his early twenties to obtain 24/7 care and support tailored to his unique needs. Since 2008, this round-the-clock caregiving environment was provided by OCCK (formerly known as Occupational Center of Central Kansas). He loved his friendly roommates at Blakemoore House; he adored the thoughtful and caring house-staff who provided him with a safe and secure home and opportunities for community outings. At OCCK’s day program, he enjoyed wandering around, watching TV, looking at magazines, and watching people. We are grateful for the opportunities, support, sense of community, and structured environment provided by all the dedicated professional staff at OCCK.
Wayne loved music; he listened intently to the variety of music (organ, violin, bell choir, trumpets, vocal choir and soloists) on the DVDs of church services delivered weekly by dedicated volunteers. We imagine Wayne joining the Heavenly choir with Mom and Dad. Perhaps Dad is strumming his guitar, Mom is singing in her beautiful alto voice, and Wayne is bouncing his fingers on the keyboard.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Alice and Ernie Rahmeier. He is survived by his siblings Bob (and wife Genia) (Olathe, KS), Linda (Salina, KS), Diane (Broken Arrow, OK), and Larry (Claremore, OK); his aunt Gertie Brown (Abilene), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street, Salina, Kansas, on Saturday, August 9th. Visitation will be at 10:00. The service will start at 11:00. Pastor Mark Boxman from Trinity Lutheran Church will provide the service at Ryan Mortuary and the burial which will be at Sylvan Grove Cemetery after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Wayne’s memory. Perhaps the best tribute you could give to honor Wayne would be to greet strangers and friends with a cheery “good morning” and follow his frequent advice to “Be Cool!”