Wayne Deschamp

Wayne E. Deschamp, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, went home to be with the Lord on June 25, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was 78 years old. Wayne was formerly a longtime resident of Zion, Illinois, before moving to Kenosha, WIsconsin.

Wayne was born on August 2, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Everett and Mary Deschamp. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Ferris State University in Michigan.

On July 7, 2006, Wayne married the love of his life, Charlene Carpenter Freeman, in Waukegan, Illinois. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love.

A devoted follower of Christ, Wayne was a faithful member of Spirit of Life Church in Zion, Illinois. His faith guided his life and remained a constant source of strength through every season.

Wayne dedicated much of his professional career to retail management, serving in leadership roles with Pepsi-Cola, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. For the last 18 years of his career, he proudly worked at Walmart in Zion, Illinois. He genuinely enjoyed working alongside his Walmart family and treasured the friendships he built with both coworkers and customers.

Sports were one of Wayne's greatest passions. As a young man, he played minor league baseball as a shortstop in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Although a knee injury brought his playing career to an unexpected end, Wayne faced that disappointment with resilience and determination. Returning to Michigan, he began a successful business career, trusting that God had a greater plan for his life.

Wayne was an enthusiastic fan of University of Michigan and South Dakota State University football. Saturdays were often spent cheering on the Wolverines from home or traveling to support the SDSU Jackrabbits, to watch his stepson, Jason Freeman, compete. One of Wayne's most treasured memories was traveling to Frisco, Texas, in 2023 to watch the Jackrabbits win the FCS National Championship—a trip he fondly remembered and loved sharing stories about.

Above all, Wayne loved his family with all his heart. He cherished every moment spent together, celebrated each accomplishment, and found great joy in watching those he loved grow and succeed. A devoted husband, proud stepfather, loving grandfather, and true family man, Wayne's unwavering love, encouragement, and kindness will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene Deschamp; his stepchildren, Christina Cozart (Leroy) of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Sarah Kallies (Ryan) of McHenry, Illinois, Ashley Freeman (Dan) of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and Jason Freeman (Flannery) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his cherished grandchildren, Kiley Nichols, Gavin Kallies, Grayson Spencer, and Saylor Freeman; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Mary Deschamp, and his sister, Margie.

A visitation will be held at Spirit of Life Church, 1222 Lorelei Drive, Zion, Illinois, on Tuesday, July 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church on Wednesday, July 8, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Wayne will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, Illinois.