Wayne Osness Obituary

Dr. Osness and l came to KU the same year, 1966. I was a junior and majored in Health, PE, Recreation and Dance although dance was my major emphasis. Dr. Osness was one of the greatest influences in my quest for understanding the physiology of exercise and when l went back to school after a semester break l worked for him in the lab in 1969. It was fascinating. I would have stayed and finished my masters in the program but wound up getting married and moving to the east coast. While l worked in the lab, Dr. Osness and his wife went on a trip out of town and l stayed with his family for a week while they were gone. This was after Easter. Over the years l have taught health and PE from 4 year olds through 12th grade, swimming and lifesaving, aerobic dance and fitness for 10 years in between while l was raising 3 children, then elementary and middle school PE and health. My last 8 years l taught high school health exclusively. I loved teaching and tried to bring the same enthusiasm to my classes that Dr. Osness had in his. He was one of the greatest influences on my life and career that l could have ever had. Even though we lost touch over the years, l was so sad to hear of his passing. He was a magnificent man. I know he will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to his family.

I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless,
Diane Pyle

So sorry for your loss. Have great memories and fun times with Wayne and Donna at KTC Club, Summit Lake, WI.

Wayne was such a lovely person. He really added a lot of happiness to our Aunt Ginger´s life the last couple of years, through his friendship and the joy of his little dog, Katie. It gave her a sense of purpose.
I know that his presence will be sorely missed at Pioneer Ridge.
He was a great man.

I was a graduate student in exercise physiology at KU. Dr Osness was my advisor. Donna Osness became my boss in Shawnee Mission when I developed The Sunflower Wellness Center. I adored both of them and will always be grateful for their roles in helping me develop my knowledge and skills. I never met their children but may I say they were very fortunate to have them as their parents. May their memories be a blessing.

Pam Weiss (Belle-Isle)

My thoughts and prayers go out to the wonderful, beautiful, kind Osness family. I´m very blessed to have the memories I do with Wayne. He was always a cheerful man who truly cared about others. He passed that along to his wonderful children who are amazing and thoughtful as well. Thank you Wayne, for always showing the brighter side of life, and for always being positive. Wayne showed me there´s always something that can shine through the darkest moments. Shift through the negative with your chin up, you´ll find it. Then as you do and realize so... it can then cause a contagious smile. Which Wayne absolutely had. Spreading a smile and kindness to anyone and everyone goes a long way. There was never a situation or person he looked down on. Wayne, you always had a way of making things ok. Thank you for passing along that contagious, cheerful spirit of yours. You will definitely be missed but never forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the wonderful, beautiful, kind Osness family. I´m very blessed to have the memories I do with Wayne. He was always a cheerful man who truly cared about others. He passed that along to his wonderful children who are amazing and thoughtful as well. Thank you Wayne for always showing the brighter side of life, for always being positive, you´ve showed me there´s always something that can shine through the darkest moments. Then as you realize so... it then can cause a contagious smile.

I want to extend my sincere sympathy to the Osness family at this difficult time. Wayne hired me to be on the HSES faculty in 1975. I never had a bad day while working with him. I will always be grateful for the professional opportunity he gave me. I extend my prayers to the family.