Obituary for Wade Staehnke

Wade was born in Glendive, Montana, to Lyle and Nancy (Christenson) Staehnke.  Wade grew up in Bagley, Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Lomond, where he enjoyed fishing and swimming, and spent his high school summers as a Lifeguard. 

Wade played basketball and football for the Bagley Flyers and honed his musical talent as a trumpet player under Manny Brothern's direction. The American Legion often called upon him to play TAPS at servicemen's funerals, an honor he took to heart.

During his senior year of high school, Wade suffered severe burns during a house fire, which took the lives of his mother and sister Vickie.  Wade spent three painful months in the burn unit in St. Paul before returning to finish high school.

Wade studied Business at St. Cloud State University before moving to Australia, where he co-founded a pipeline company with his brother and father from the ground up.  Together they refurbished old equipment and made them shine like new with the supervision and heckling of the beloved Cockatoo’s, Joe and Charlie. He later returned to Minnesota and married Sandy Johnson of Bagley. Their son, Jaxon, was born in 1995. 

Wade’s career in the pipeline industry was nothing short of epic. With a passport full of stamps, he took on the world — literally. Wade held various roles as a Business Manager, Controller, and Claims Consultant as he lived and worked across 17+ countries including Nigeria, Abu Dhabi, Thailand, Oman and Russia. With Sandy and Jaxon often by his side, his life became a whirlwind of rich cultures, meaningful challenges, and unforgettable experiences. His travels gifted him a lifetime of stories from every corner of the world—tales he loved to share with family and friends 

For Wade, life was always better on the lake or in the woods. Always looking for the next project, he and Sandy purchased an old house on Big Buzzle Lake and took on the ultimate project and adventure. After years of changes, additions, and remodels, that once tired house became a gorgeous sprawling lake home.

Wade enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking, and, later in life, painting. No matter where Wade was in the world for work, he always managed to make it home for deer hunting.  He lived for the deer hunting fellowship with his buddies, brother Scott and Jaxon.   Above all, his favorite pastime was spending time with Jaxon and grandkids whether it was fishing on Buzzle, building deer stands, working on cars, traveling or watching football. Wade remained a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan, always hopeful for that elusive Super Bowl victory.  His habit of twirling his hair became one of those small quirks that family and friends grew to love — a simple gesture that now brings a smile to all who knew him.

Wade had that kind of teasing nature and sarcastic wit that could catch a person off guard.  If he was giving you guff, that simply meant you were alright in his books.  But once you got past that act, you realized he was warm, funny, full of wild jokes and stories, and a heart that showed through when it mattered. His teasing never fazed his granddaughter, Aviara, however.  Aviara just got him — no words needed. Their connection was rooted in love and quiet understanding. From the moment she entered the world, she captured his heart, and to her, Grampa will always be someone truly special.

In December of 2021 Wade suffered from a heart attack and had open heart surgery followed by complications that led to a stroke. Since that time Wade was unable to return to the work he knew and loved his whole life.  He spent the last four years living with and lovingly cared for by his step-daughter Amanda (Jamie) Grover where he was surrounded by the grandkids.  Upon Wade’s untreatable diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer, he wanted to live out what time he had at his brother’s Scott’s where he received first class care from brother Scott and sister-in-law Janie with the help of family and friends.

Wade is survived by his son Jaxon (Avedon) Staehnke, his stepdaughter Amanda (Jamie) Grover, his grandchildren Aviara, Luxon, and Imari, Carson (Isabelle), Kennedy, Colton, and his great-grandchild, Atlas.  His brother Scott (Janie) Staehnke, and his sister Pam (Mic) McCrory. 

He also leaves behind nieces & nephews Heather, Bridget, Chastine, Carlea, T.J., Jayci, Vicki, and Brock, as well as his great nieces and nephews, Gma Pat Kjensmo and special friends, Rick Skarison and Lyle Strandlien among many others (all of whom were subjected to his crazy jokes and stories).  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Nancy, sisters, Debra, Margie, and Vickie.

Cremation services were provided by Cease Funeral Home and Wade’s loving classmate, Kevin Cease. The family is forever grateful to the Red River Valley Hospice nurses and CNAs for their guidance and compassionate care during Wade’s final months.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 1st, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Bagley City Park Upper Pavilion.

Cards and messages of condolence may be sent to:

Amanda Grover

15063 366th Street

Bagley, MN 56621