Leonard Wayne Laidacker

Leonard “Wayne” Laidacker of Bloomsburg went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the age of 86.

Wayne was born on January 3, 1938, to Vera (Thomas) Balzer in Berwick, PA. He was raised near Bendertown and attended Benton High School, graduating with the Class of 1955. 

Wayne was gifted with a beautiful bass singing voice and was involved with several vocal groups throughout his younger years, including The Harbingers Quartet and The Singing Laidacker Family which consisted of Wayne and his wife Helen, and their six children. 

In his early adult years, Wayne worked as a farmer. He also worked for Kawneer in Bloomsburg. Later in life he obtained his Surveyor’s Certificate through Penn State University and opened his own successful business, Orangeville Surveying Consultants. 

Wayne enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending their athletic and school events. He was an avid outdoorsman. His hobbies included fly tying, fishing, and hunting. One of his greatest joys was going to “the cabin” in Canada with his family for epic fishing adventures.

One of Wayne’s greatest passions was to spread the Word of God to others. He volunteered with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, visiting many events throughout each year, and served as the President of the Northeast Chapter for several years. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Helen (Roadarmel) Laidacker who passed away in 2014; and by his mother, Vera Balzer. 

Wayne is survived by his companion Eileen Knouse, and his six children - Deborah Price and husband, Steve, of Millville; Esther Pochakilo and husband, Gary, of Kulpmont; Rebecca Wasylyk and husband, David, of Sweet Valley; Eve Laidacker, of Hollidaysburg; Matthew Laidacker and wife, Susan, of Bloomsburg; Ruth Mausteller and husband, Glenn, of Stillwater. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, and by his brother, Craig Laidacker and his wife Sara, and their sons.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025.     Friends and family will be received from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Shiloh Bible Church, 123 Church Street, Bloomsburg. Services will begin at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: Fellowship of Christian Farmers c/o James Devoe, 346 S. Chestnut St., Millville PA 17846 or AGAPE, P.O. Box 424, Bloomsburg PA 17815

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Laidacker family.  For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website:  www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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