Wayne Repac

Vujadin (Wayne) Joseph Repac of Red Lodge, Montana, died at his home on Thursday, September 3, 2010 after an extended illness. Born in Red Lodge on October 29, 1926, Wayne was the fifth of six children born to Vujo and Anna (Lawrence) Repac. Wayne graduated from Carbon County High School in 1945 and was a key player on the Carbon County Coyotes successful basketball teams of that era that were coached by the legendary Frank Ward. Wayne was drafted into the Army on June 21, 1945 at Fort Douglas, Utah and took his basic training at Camp Roberts, California. He served the remainder of his Army duty at Fort Richardson, Alaska and was discharged after his unit was demobilized at the conclusion of World War II on December 21, 1946. He would often recall his early days after coming back from the Army when he was employed with several different jobs; these included driving a gas truck to area farmers and ranchers, and driving a pop truck for the Dimich Brothers at the Red Lodge Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company. He particularly enjoyed his years playing in the Independent Basketball leagues of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Wayne was united in marriage to Gloria R. Favero on April 11, 1953. During the first year of their marriage they resided in Miles City, Montana, and after a short stay there they moved back to Red Lodge where Wayne would own and operate a successful construction business for many years. He was noted for his industry and prowess in the carpentry trade; he taught his children the value of the various trade skills, so that they didnt have to depend solely upon others when constructing a home or repairing an item. He extolled the virtues of “common sense” and self-sufficiency all of his life. Wayne was a devoted member of the St. Agnes Church in Red Lodge, and he was especially proud to be a Eucharistic Minister when he was able to attend mass. He is survived by his wife Gloria; sons Steven and John of Billings, Mitchell of Red Lodge, daughter Carla (John) Prinkki of Fox; brother Daniel of Billings, two nieces Nina and Tamara; sister Sophia, niece Danielle (Bobby) Williams and their children Zachary and Matthew of Spokane, WA; three grandchildren: Matthew (Heather) Prinkki, great-granddaughter Maisie Prinkki; Rita Prinkki of Billings; Anna Prinkki, of Bali, Indonesia; his friend and brother-in-law Donald D. (Kathryn) Favero and their children Craig (Michelle) Favero, Cindy (Brian) Heikes of Castle Rock, CO., and Caryn Favero of Billings, and their extended families. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Joe, Nick and Emil Repac.A Rosary service will be at Dahl Chapel in Red Lodge 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 7. Funeral Mass will be at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Red Lodge 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 8. The family would encourage memorials be made in his name to Beartooth Hospital Home Care & Hospice, P. O. Box 590, Red Lodge, MT 59068. The family would like to extend a warm “Thank You” to all the care-givers that looked in on Dad while he was ill, and also to Norman Mance with Wheels on Meals; this in recognition for the fine service they rendered he was deeply appreciative of all of your efforts.