Wayne R Malaise , September 21, 1950 — May 21, 2019

Wayne R. Malaise, 68, of Rock Island, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Iowa Parrot Rescue Society or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Wayne was born on September 21, 1950 in Ottawa, IL, the son of Robert and Irene Malaise. He was a graduate of Ottawa High School.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. He also earned a Master’s Degree in social work from the University of Iowa. Wayne worked for Catholic Social Service in LaSalle, IL and later served as director of that agencies Rock Island office.

He also worked as a clinical social worker for the Robert Young Mental Health Center, before working as a school social worker for the Rock Island Schools for 30 years, until his retirement. After retirement, he worked with a great group of guys at the Quad City Auto Auction. Wayne lived in Rock Island with Sarah, his wife of 30 years.

He was very proud of his son Ryan (Portland, OR) and step-son, Christopher Skafidas (San Diego), who both turned out to be great persons. He was an avid motorcyclist, and loved touring the country with his brother, Brian and lifelong friend, Larry Nagle. They have ridden together in 43 states and Canada.

He was a diehard Cubs fan, and was grateful for seeing them win a World Series. Wayne was an animal lover, especially birds and particularly his parrot, Mac. Wayne was blessed with many generous friends from college, the Rock Island Schools, Quad City Auto Auction, neighbors who were all incredibly supportive throughout his journey.

He was especially grateful to Sarah, whose sacrifice and support made his final days bearable, and also grateful to Ryan, whose strength served as an inspiration. Wayne is survived by his wife Sarah; son Ryan Malaise; step son, Christopher Skafidas; brothers, Maury (Rozanne) Malaise, Peoria, AZ, and Brian (Christina) Malaise, Morris, IL; sister, Barbara (Larry) Hayn, Marseilles, IL; and “special grandson,” Greyson Moens. He was preceded in death by his parents.

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