Kenneth Wayne Badberg Jr., age 59, of Waco, formerly of Syracuse, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Syracuse Good Samaritan Center.

 Wayne was born on October 24, 1966, in Tecumseh, to Kenneth and JoAnn (Davison) Badberg. He graduated from Syracuse High School with the Class of 1985.

Wayne worked at Rocket Lanes in Syracuse for 20 years, where he developed many lasting friendships. He later worked at B&J’s Restaurant for three years before moving to Waco. While living in Waco, he was employed at Grand Central Grocery Store in York and later at Walmart in York, where he worked loading trucks.

Wayne enjoyed bowling and working at the bowling alley. He valued the friendships he made throughout his life. He enjoyed the phone calls and visits with his friends and family. He was a devoted Husker fan and enjoyed listening (and singing occasionally) to Johnny Cash, and liked reading the newspaper (did not think they should be digital at all!). Wayne also cherished time spent with his family dogs and playing hillbilly rummy (totaled our scores faster than you can imagine!). His brother and him would go on small trips (both enjoyed them very much!). His mom and him had many days chatting about daily life (those times will be missed). Wayne would tease his nieces, he enjoyed his sister and her family visits to the farm. His faith was important to him; he was a member of Luther Memorial Church in Syracuse and later attended Utica United Methodist Church after he moved to Waco. Enjoyed going to Church and the monthly mens meetings at Church in Utica. He appreciated the visits and prayers with Pastor Elias Mukindia.

Wayne is survived by his mother, JoAnn (Duane) Preuit; siblings, Goldie Badberg (Brian Diers), and Keith Badberg; nieces, Shelby Diers and McKenzie Diers; Step brother Tim (Tiff) Preuit and Step sister Renee (John) Preuit.

He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the Utica United Methodist Church in Utica, NE.

Burial will be held on Saturday, January 31st at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com