Wayne E. DeSutter

Wayne Edward DeSutter, 81, of Hamilton, OH, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025, surrounded by his family while in hospice care at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, OH. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson, IL, with a luncheon to follow in the Parish Hall. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Inurnment at St. Anthony’s Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Covenant House, Ohio’s Hospice, or St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Wayne was born on May 17, 1944, in Geneseo, IL, to Lawrence and Rita (VanDeRostyne) DeSutter. He graduated from Atkinson High School and Western Illinois University (WIU), where he played football and was inducted into the WIU Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1966, Wayne was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 8th round of the NFL draft and the Buffalo Bills in the 10th round of the AFL draft, ultimately playing for the Bills for two years. Wayne served in the Illinois National Guard in Kewanee, IL, for six years following his football career.

In 1970, Wayne began a 34-year career in education as a teacher, head football coach, and athletic director, and is a member of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He taught and coached high school students, mentored colleagues, and led school departments and teacher unions until his retirement in 2004. Wayne and his wife of 58 years, Kathy, spent the next 21 years enjoying golf, traveling, and spending time with family and friends throughout Florida, Illinois, Ohio, New England, and Virginia.

Wayne is survived by his wife Kathy; three sons, Matt DeSutter (Donna Paglia) of Wellesley, MA, Kevin DeSutter (Kari) of Oakton, VA, and Adam DeSutter (Jen) of Liberty Township, OH; five grandchildren, Grant (18), Sienna (18), Jack (13), Payton (12), and Alex (9); sister Janet DeDecker (Gary) of East Moline, IL; and many loving siblings-in-law, nephews, and nieces.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Rita DeSutter, and his infant sister, SueAnn DeSutter.