Wayne F. Stull, 82, of Wasilla, died Sept. 14 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. A funeral will be at 3 p.m., Saturday at the Wasilla Sports Complex with public viewing from 2 to 3 p.m. Burial to follow at Aurora Cemetery in Wasilla.

Wayne was born on March 27, 1927, to Francis M. and Dorothy E. Stull in Yakima, Wash. He was the older of two sons. He married Anna Jo Pannell on May 6, 1951 in Yakima and together they had three children. Wayne was a successful rancher, orchardist and custom wheat harvester before retiring with his wife to Wasilla in 1995.

Wayne received numerous awards for his farming skills. He was selected as Pacific Region Star Farmer in 1947 at the national Future Farmers of America  convention. He was selected as the Washington State Farmer of the Year in 1959 and finished in the top 10 at the national convention in Bakersfield, Calif. He was also the founder of the Toppenish Junior Livestock Show and established the Future Farmers of America chapter at West Valley High School in Yakima. He served on the board of directors for the Central Washington State Fair, the Agriculture Board for Yakima Federal Savings & Loan, and the Washington State Apple Commission. In 1963, he was chosen by the Washington State Grange to lead a six–week, eight–nation tour of Europe for FFA students. Wayne was an accomplished vocalist and was well-known for his gospel songs and performances at churches and religious services throughout Washington and Alaska.

His family said, “He was an outstanding husband, father and grandpa whose Christian leadership and witness was an inspiration to us all. His wisdom and willingness to always lend a helping hand will be missed by all who knew him.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis “Ted” and Dorothy Stull; brother, Kenneth Stull and grandson, baby Duncan.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Jo Stull of Wasilla; son and daughter-in-law, David and Crystal Stull of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law, Donna Woody Duncan of Wasilla; daughter, Kathy Stull of Wasilla; grandsons, Roy Stull and Jonathan Stull of Wasilla; and cousins, Roy Dale Stull of San Diego and Earl Witt of Macomb, Ill.

Contributions may be made in Wayne’s memory to: GCI Alaska Academic Decathlon, 2550 Denali Street, Suite 1000, Anchorage, AK 99503.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel.