Wayne David Paananen of Lead, South Dakota passed away on December 24, 2023, at the age of 85. Wayne was born on September 15, 1938, in Deadwood, South Dakota. Wayne grew up and lived in Lead, South Dakota, and graduated from Lead High School in 1957. While attending Lead High School, Wayne was involved in basketball, baseball, football, track, theater, and debate. Wayne formed lifelong friendships with his classmates and teammates.

Wayne attended Huron College, followed by Radio and Broadcasting School in Chicago, IL. Throughout Wayne's professional career, he worked in several aspects of broadcasting; including sports announcing and radio station management.

Wayne's radio career took him to Montana, Colorado, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Minnesota. 1986 Wayne moved back to his hometown of Lead, where he started his own historical documentary company, called Historical Footprints. Wayne produced and obtained a large collection of historical and documentary films, most of which pertained to history in South Dakota and the Black Hills. Wayne operated Historical Footprints until his retirement.

Wayne married his beloved wife LeeAnn October 25, 1997.  Together Wayne and LeeAnn maintained a full and busy home, which included an open invitation for anyone to gather. Wayne and LeeAnn participated in many activities and organizations that promoted Lead, the Black Hills and its history.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents Vino and Florence (Babe) Paananen, his son Todd Paananen, and his granddaughter Kamryn Schumacher. Wayne is survived by his wife LeeAnn Paananen, his sister Zale Doering (Ron) of Florence, KY; brother Doug Paananen of Spearfish, SD; daughter April Madden (Jerry) of Herreid, SD; daughter September Kruse (Tim) of Lakeville, MN; step-son Darrick Schumacher of Spearfish, SD; step-son Dustin Schumacher (Kristy) of Lead, SD; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services will be announced at a later date.