DODGE CITY - Wayne Jay Blauvelt, 77, died April 20, 2022 at Western Plains Medical Complex, Dodge City.  He was born on February 12, 1945 at Edison, Nebraska, the son of Francis and Eva (Loesch) Blauvelt.

Wayne grew up in Edison, Franklin and Cambridge, Nebraska and also in Hanover, Haddam, and Norton, Kansas. His father worked for Burlington Northern Railroad and is why he had a love for trains and had lived in so many different places. Wayne moved to Dodge City in 1983 where he lived and worked as a pallet builder with Arrowhead West.

He was a gentle giant with a smile that would light up a room. Wayne loved cigarettes, pancakes, diet soda, and hard candy. He always asked about the Arrowhead West staff families and wanted to make sure they were all okay.

Wayne loved his sister, Joyce and his niece, Susan and always looked forward to receiving packages from them at Christmas and his birthday. He will be missed by the staff and clients at Arrowhead West.

Wayne is survived by his niece, Susan Budler of Lincoln, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joyce Budler; brother-in-law, George Budler; grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Jerre Nolte presiding. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Monday, April 25, 2022 from Noon to 8:00 PM. Burial will at the Washington City Cemetery in Washington at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 under the direction of Ward Funeral Home in Washington.  Memorials are suggested to Arrowhead West in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.