Wayne Jessen

Jessen, Wayne “Butch” B.

Wayne Benjamin Jessen, 77 of Winona passed away on August 14, 2024 at Whitewater Health Services in Saint Charles where he was a resident for nearly 2 ½ years.

Wayne was born at the Winona General Hospital to George and Evalyn (Lang) Jessen, on November 29, 1946. The story goes that Wayne was the largest baby in the nursery, so the nurses thought it fitting to nickname him “Butch/Butchie” which were the names that were often used by his family and some friends. Another given nickname was “Wayno.”

Around Wayne’s sophomore year of high school he under went a surgery to remove a tumor from his brain; his recovery was considered a miracle, Wayne returned to school and joined the swim team. In his senior year he earned a letter for the butterfly stroke.

In 1965 Wayne graduated from Winona Senior High School. In 1969 he received a diploma from the Minnesota School of Business for business management. In 1971 Wayne received a diploma from Winona Area Technical School for Business and Marketing.

Wayne was a manager at Sandy’s/Bucky’s fast food restaurant in Winona, and was transferred to a town/city in Illinois to help start up a Bucky’s there. Wayne returned to Winona to manage the Sirloin Stockade/Golden Corral.

In the early 80’s Wayne and his assistant manager left the Golden Corral and leased a dining space at the Black Horse Tavern. Together they opened up what became a popular restaurant that was known for its good food with an amazing Friday All you can eat buffet, and the place of the Singing Chef.

Wayne had a wonderful singing voice and loved to perform solos or duets at the Black Horse events and karaoke nights. A crowd pleaser was Wayne’s impersonation of Boxcar Willie.

In 1999 Wayne changed his direction. He was hired at Whitt Vending, now Steak Shop Catering. It proved to be a great fit. Wayne loved all the different types of events and he began to hone his chef skills. He loved perfecting old dishes and creating new dishes from watching cooking shows. Wayne took great care in preparing food for the international students staying in the Cotter High School dorms from the early 2000’s until his retirement in 2018. Wayne will be remembered by his family and friends for his wacky sense of humor and his love of sports. Wayne was especially an avid fan of the Twins, Wild, and Vikings.

Wayne is survived by his brother, Chuck (Rita) Jessen; sisters-in-law, Audrey Jessen and Nancy Jessen; goddaughter, Taylor Jessen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Evalyn Jessen and brothers; Julian, Dale, and George.

A private interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

Wayne’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 12:30 p.m.-3:30p.m. at the Hoff Celebration of Life Center.

Special thanks to Seasons Hospice in Rochester, MN and especially to Daryl and Trudy Reidel and the whole Steak Shop Catering family for all their care, kindness, and generosity they have shown to Wayne and the Jessen family.

To honor Wayne you are encouraged to wear your favorite MN sports apparel to his Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to RiPple Drug Education and Awareness at N21560 County Road J, Arcadia, WI 54612 or Friendship Center Fish and Float program, Attn: Dr. Dave Rowkamp at 79 Shady Oak Court, Winona, MN 55987.