Wayne "Red" Courtney, 73, of Byron, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 11, 2025.

Born on August 21, 1951, in Decorah, Iowa, to Bernard and Ann Amunrud, Wayne was raised in the Mabel-Canton area, where he graduated in 1969. His journey brought him to Rochester, where he pursued a two-year degree in accounting. In a beautiful chapter of his life, Wayne married his sweetheart, Julie Doughan of Hayfield, in 1971. Together, they celebrated the joys of family life, raising three daughters: Keri, Melissa, and Jennifer. Since 1987, Wayne and Julie built their home in Byron, cultivating a life rich in kindness, warmth, and love—a legacy that resonates with all who knew him.

Wayne's work ethic was unmatched. He began his career at Rochester Meat Company in 1972, balancing various roles as a night-shift taxi driver and a farmer alongside his in-laws near Dexter. In 1999, Wayne, alongside two partners, acquired Rochester Meat Company, successfully leading the business until 2007. In 2012, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-own John Hardy's BBQ, a venture he continued even into retirement.

Wayne was a man of many passions. He proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard and was a member of the Byron American Legion. Deeply rooted in his faith, he was a dedicated member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron, attending mass wherever his travels took him. Whether it was participating in bean bag leagues, playing cribbage, or shuffling cards, Wayne relished time spent with friends. However, his greatest passion was golf—he and Julie thrived as founding members of Somerby and explored courses across the country. A personal highlight was his remarkable achievement of scoring two hole-in-ones during a single round at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

Wayne and Julie were seasonal residents of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. Passionate travelers, their adventures took them on cruises through the Panama Canal, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Wayne was a full-fledged family man. Countless fond memories revolve around the adventures he shared with loved ones. He was his grandchildren's biggest fan, always cheering them on to success. Whether it was annual family trips to Las Vegas, savoring raspberry sundaes, evening cruises around the Whitefish Chain, or chats around the fire pit with country music and a brandy and Pepsi in hand, Wayne embraced every moment of togetherness. Known far and wide as the "condiment king," he ensured every meal was accompanied by a delightful variety of sauces.

He is survived by his loving wife Julie, their daughters "the girls" Keri Dahnert (Tait), Melissa Langager, and Jennifer Ayshford (Will), along with his beloved grandchildren: Trevor (Eleena), Trenton and Tessa Dahnert, Dominic, Blake, and Sydney Langager, and Rex and Reese Ayshford. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Ruth Henrie, mother-in-law, Bonnie Doughan and Brazilian foreign exchange daughter, Danda Bortolini.  He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard Courtney, Hank and Ann Amunrud, his father-in-law, Gene Doughan, his sister, Darlene Manning, brother-in-law Jim Henrie.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Wayne's care team, with special gratitude to Dr. Costello.

A private Mass and burial will be held. A Celebration of Life open house will take place on April 22, 2025, from 3–7 PM at Somerby Golf Course in Byron, MN, all are welcome to honor his legacy.

Memorials are preferred to "Christ the King Catholic Church Mortgage in Byron", "Gift of Life", "St. Croix Hospice" or "Donor's Choice"

Wayne Courtney will be deeply missed, yet his spirit will shine on in the hearts and lives of all who had the honor of knowing him.