Edward J. “Red” Nayes, 83 of Stanley, died Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital-Wausau with his family by his side. He was born on June 8, 1940 at the family home in Lafayette to the late Marinus and Irene (Wettstein) Nayes. Ed grew up in the in the Boyd area and attended St. Joseph’s School in Boyd. He later graduated from Stanley High School.
Red worked with his uncle Wettstein drilling wells, at the Boyd Farmer’s Union, worked for Chilson Motors, at Montgomery Ward in Eau Claire and played in a friend’s band. He enjoyed going to many dances and Polka fests in the area.
In 2004, Red created a Memorial in Soo Line Park-Stanley that honors all veterans in the area. He assisted in erecting memorials in Spooner and Ladysmith as well. Those funds support a homeless shelter in Chippewa Falls and the State Veteran’s Cemetery in Spooner as well other clubs in the area.
He is survived by his children, Lori Ann Christianson and Bryan Edward (Cindy) Nayes both of Chippewa Falls, Lynn Marie Nayes of Arizona, Leanne Marie Nayes of Florida, Tammi Tenney of Eau Claire, Steven John Tyznik of Withee, Bobby Lee Nayes of Park Falls, Lucianne Marie Stephany of Appleton and Johnathan Edward of Eau Claire, many grandchildren, a sister, Mary Ann Schuebel of Stanley and Francis (Karen) Nayes of Kenosha. Ed is preceded in death by his parents, step father, Mathias Butzler, and siblings, Dorothy Sorensen, Evelyn Gadke, Lucille Drilling, Bernadette Eslinger, Kenneth and Robert Nayes.
An inurnment will take place at 11AM on Saturday, June 22nd at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery-Boyd with Military Honors by the Stanley American Legion. Then a Celebration of Life will be held from Noon-3 PM at Schuebel’s Frog Hop-Cadott.
