Wayne Lee Hawk

Wayne Lee Hawk, aged 75, of Dousman, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on March 15, 2025. Born on January 24, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wayne was the beloved son of Ronald and Norma Hawk.

A graduate of Bay View High School, Wayne furthered his education at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), where he earned an Associate's Degree in TV production. His early career was marked by fond memories at Channels 10/36, where he worked as a student Studio Supervisor and was later hired after graduation. After a brief stint in carpet installation, Wayne returned to school and Channels 10/36, this time working in Master Control, driven by the desire to get back to entertainment/media production.

Fate smiled upon Wayne when he landed his dream job as a Disc Jockey at WKTM in Hartford. Despite the daily 1½-hour commute, often through harsh weather conditions, he relished every moment of sharing his love for music. Wayne's eclectic playlists included everything from country and western to polka, often delighting listeners with comical tunes by Spike Jones and Mad Man Michaels. His on-air personality, stories and humor connected with his many nightly listeners, drawing a dedicated fanbase and earning him the handle “Nighthawk.”

His passion for radio was matched only by his passion for Hollywood History amassing a remarkable collection of close to 2000 hardcover books—each a testament to his insatiable curiosity and love for movies. In addition to his radio career, Wayne cherished his role as a Docent at Ten Chimneys, the historic home of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, where he shared his enthusiasm for history and culture with visitors.

Wayne was a gifted writer of screenplays and books, and scripts for a local radio theatre group known as Krystal Set. Krystal Set performed at numerous venues over the years, including annual performances of Wayne’s original “Mendelbaum the Barbarian” at X-Con, which were anxiously awaited by convention regulars and received standing ovations.

After his son Matt was born, Wayne was the happiest, playing with him all day, enjoying walks to the park, drawing, or just hanging out. He was a man of many layers, and in the quiet moments at home, he and his beloved wife, Rita of 46 years, would unwind each evening with a martini, engaging in delightful conversations where they would "solve all the problems of the world." They were together for over 50 years, introduced by Rita’s brother, who was Wayne’s best friend at MATC.

Wayne is survived by the Love of his Life, Rita; son, Matthew (Kate); sister, Carol Corby; Coco, the Wonder Dog; along with other family and many many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Herbert, and Alma; nephew, Kevin Corby; and fur-babies Coty and Carma.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Aurora Summit Hospital, particularly on Wing 3 East, and to the Foot and Ankle Clinic, especially Dr. Shawn Sanicola and Dr. Leng Xiong, for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to HAWS in Wayne’s name are welcome.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the telling of stories, sharing of silly pictures and performances in videos. He brought laughter, humor, and happiness to all.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date, where friends and family will gather to honor his remarkable life.