CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday, March 28, 2026
at
Faith Builders Church
4901 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Visitation: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Service: 3:00 PM

 

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW AT
Jubilee Christian Family Church
3639 W. Ryan Road, Franklin, WI 53132

 

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE SUGGESTED IN LIEU OF FLOWERS TO
The Pastor Wayne and Nancy Rohde Memorial Scholarship Fund

 

Wayne Edward Rohde

Wayne Edward Rohde entered the presence of the Lord on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 79. A faithful servant, devoted husband, cherished father and grandfather, and beloved pastor, Wayne leaves behind a legacy marked by unwavering faith, deep love for people, and a lifetime of ministry that impacted generations.

Born on Monday, July 22, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edward Emil and Rose Anna (Diestler) Rohde. Wayne’s father passed away when he was a young boy, leaving Rose as a single mother. Although he struggled with severe asthma and was born with only one kidney, Wayne demonstrated a strength that would carry him throughout his life. Rose determined to have her son attend church and he received a Christian education at Wisconsin Lutheran High School (Class of 1964).

Following high school, Wayne met his bride while they both were working at Big Boy. He and Nancy Lee (Wolfe) were married on October 7, 1967 in Mukwonago, WI. It was during this time that God began to plant seeds deeper into Wayne’s heart. At the age of 27, someone gave him a small Christian tract that shared the Gospel message in a way that pierced his heart. While he was working at W. H. Brady Co. as a Quality Control Manager, he had an encounter with God that brought him to his knees. The course of his life was about to change. On December 6, 1975, Wayne was reading the Bible when the Lord directed him to Isaiah 59:19, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Wayne knew then that the Lord was calling him to serve in the ministry. Three days later, his first daughter, Nicole Lynn (Voisin) was born. His second daughter, Kristy Elizabeth (Bowman), was born in May of 1977.

Shortly after, Wayne and Nancy moved their young family to Tulsa, OK to attend Rhema Bible Training Center (now Rhema Bible Training College), where his love for the Word of God deepened and his calling into ministry became clear. Equipped with a strong foundation in faith and leadership, he stepped boldly into a life devoted to serving the Lord and caring for His people. He graduated Rhema in 1980 and, despite his hesitation, returned to the Milwaukee area. He began connecting with those in the area and used storefronts to begin having church services. Jubilee Faith Center was founded.

Located on 27th Street in Franklin, WI, (now the location of Northwestern Mutual Life), Jubilee Faith Center quickly grew into a thriving ministry that was known for preaching and teaching the uncompromised Word of God, preparing children and young people to be a light to their generation and a music ministry that ushers in the presence of God and silences the voice of the enemy. People knew that a “church that was alive was worth the drive!” Over more than 45 years of faithful pastoral service, Wayne poured his life into the church and the community, preaching the Gospel with conviction, compassion, and authenticity. He lived the definition of the “Spirit of Jubilee” (Lev. 25: 8-13) ministering with the spirit of faith, boldness, zeal for God, freedom, joy, victory, creativity and excellence.

Under his leadership, Jubilee Faith Center was renamed Jubilee Christian Family Church and the ministry expanded in 1984 to include Jubilee Christian School serving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as a preschool and daycare. Wayne had a deep passion not only for spiritual growth, but also for investing in the next generation—ensuring that children and families had a strong foundation rooted in faith, truth, and love. In 1995, Jubilee expanded their facility and built it’s current home at 3639 W. Ryan Road in Franklin, WI. The elementary and high school served the community until 2004. The Preschool and Daycare still stand as one of the largest in the area with a reputation of excellence. In 2019, the church expanded again by adding a dedicated sanctuary to the building.

As a Pastor, Wayne not only attended to his congregation but also served in other ministry capacities. He was a strong and unwavering voice for the preborn and an active part of Missionaries to the Preborn. He went on mission trips to many places including Russia and Guatemala, served on the board for Southwest Interfaith and Northern Word Pastors Association for many years and was a frequent guest minister at many churches in the area. He submitted to the leadership of the late Pastor Buddy Harrison, founding Pastor of Faith Christian Fellowship in Tulsa, OK. After Harrison’s death, Pastor Rohde connected with Dr. Mark Barclay, Pastor of Living Word Church in Midland, MI. and has called him his Pastor and friend. Additionally, in 2002, Pastor Rohde authored, “A Future, A Hope, An Expected End” which remains in publication.

Wayne and Nancy served faithfully together until Nancy went home to be with the Lord in April of 2009. At that time, Pastor Rohde knew his calling had not expired and rallied to continue the vision for the last 17 years.
Wayne’s love for the Lord was evident in everything he did, but equally powerful was his love for people. He had a servant’s heart—generous to a fault, always ready to give his time, encouragement, or resources to anyone in need. Whether in the pulpit, in conversation, or simply sharing a laugh, he met people where they were and pointed them toward hope.

Known to many as “Big Dog,” Wayne carried a presence that was both strong and comforting. His humor was infectious, his wisdom steady, and his personality unforgettable. He was also known for the simple yet powerful phrases he often shared—words that guided and encouraged so many: “Trust God, don’t murmur,” “There will be a test,” and “Do your daily Bible reading.” These sayings reflected the steady, faith-filled life he lived and the principles he instilled in others.

Beyond the pulpit, Wayne lived a full and active life. He enjoyed coaching basketball, where he mentored and encouraged others both on and off the court. He was also an avid tennis player, a strong pitcher on the church softball team, and loved spending time fishing, finding peace and joy in the outdoors. It is still undecided whether Wayne or Nancy caught the most fish in their lifetimes. Additionally, he was well known as an “armchair quarterback” for the Green Bay Packers and loudly cheered for all Wisconsin sports teams. Wayne had a deep love for his country and was proud to be an American, carrying that appreciation with gratitude throughout his life and reflected in his vocal encouragement to others to vote with Godly principles first and foremost in one’s mind. He would say he “bled red, white, and blue.”

Wayne cherished his family deeply and always made an effort to take time away from the demands of ministry to be with family on vacations. He was very proud of his daughters’ accomplishments as adults, both following in the footsteps of their parents. Nicole graduated from Western Governor’s University and became an RN. Kristy graduated from Hillsdale College and became a teacher. While he loved his daughters deeply, it can easily be argued that he found even greater joy in being a grandpa or “Papa”. His grandchildren were a source of pride and delight, and he treasured every moment spent with them—sharing stories, laughter, wisdom, and the faith that defined his life. Nicole and her husband, Jeffery Voisin, blessed him with four: Bethany Allison (Daniel) Crawford, Seth Michael, Tessa Autumn (Trevor) Riley and Trent Jacob. Later, Kristy and James Bowman added another four to the bunch; Gabriella Lee, Madalyn Elizabeth, Ezekiel James and Ethan John. Just a few years ago, his joy was multiplied as he became a Great-Grandpa to Griffin Matthew Rohde Crawford, Kasen Brooks Riley and Charlotte Eloise Riley.
Wayne Edward Rohde’s life was a testament to faithfulness. He loved God wholeheartedly, served people selflessly, and led with integrity, humor, and grace. Though he is now in the presence of the Lord he so faithfully served, his legacy lives on in every life he touched.

We are confident he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your salvation.” -Matthew 25:21,23

Wayne Edward Rohde, 79, entered into the presence of His Lord and Savior on March 13, 2026, joining his late wife, Nancy Lee (nee Wolfe). Born July 22, 1946, to the late Edward Emil and Rose Anna (Diestler) Rohde. He is survived by daughters Nicole (Jeffery) Voisin, Kristy (James) Bowman; grandchildren Bethany (Daniel) Crawford, Seth Voisin, Tessa (Trevor) Riley, Trent Voisin, Gabriella, Madalyn, Ezekiel and Ethan Bowman; great-grandchildren Griffin Crawford, Kasen and Charlotte Riley.

Wayne was a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School and Rhema Bible Training Center (Tulsa, OK). He was a long-time resident of Oak Creek, WI and the founding Pastor of Jubilee Christian Family Church (Franklin, WI) where he served faithfully for over 45 years.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28th at Faith Builders Church (4901 S. Howell Ave; Milwaukee, WI). Visitation will be from 1pm-3pm with service following. A Reception will be at 5pm at Jubilee Christian Family Church. The service will be live streamed on Jubilee’s Facebook page for all those who are unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to consider a donation to the Pastor Wayne and Nancy Rohde Memorial Scholarship Fund.

For those traveling, the family has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Staybridge Suites (9575 S. 27th Street, Franklin, WI). The link to book is:

https://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=MKEFR&qCiD=27&qCiMy=022026&qCoD=29&qCoMy=022026&qGrpCd=JCC&qAAR=6CBARC&qRtP=6CBARC&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=SB&qDest=9575%20South%2027th%20Street,%20Franklin,%20WI,%20US&showApp=true&adjustMonth=false&srb_u=1&qRmFltr=

PRINT