Joseph Wayne Lauritsen

August 12, 1931 — May 4, 2026

Colby, Kansas

Joseph Wayne Lauritsen, 94, of Colby, died Monday, May 4, 2026. He was born August 12, 1931, in Gem, KS to Joseph M. and Esther (Treat) Lauritsen.

Wayne graduated from Gem High School in 1950. He married Mildred “Millie” Smith on December 29, 1951, and she joined him during his time serving in the United States Navy from 1951-1955. After returning home they worked on the family farm with Wayne’s father and brother. The couple raised two children, Kevin and Kathy. At the age of 66, Wayne retired from farming.

He and Millie enjoyed bluegrass and were founding members of PICKIN’ on the PLAINS Bluegrass Festival in Colby, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this summer. They had a band, Sappa Strings, and traveled the country attending Bluegrass Festivals. Wayne also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He went elk hunting for 23 years in a row, never missing a season.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife Millie; siblings, Robert Lauritsen and Joyce Gatlin and daughter Kathy Lauritsen.

He is survived by his son Kevin Lauritsen; daughter Gail Wingerd and grandson Ayssah Lauritsen.

A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Lonestar Presbyterian Church located at the Prairie Museum of Art and History, Colby, KS. Memorials may be made to PICKIN’ on the PLAINS or the Colby Presbyterian Church and mailed in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com