Wayne Allen Kok, age 69 of Huron, SD, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at the Huron Regional Medical Center.  A graveside service will be held at a later date at New Holland Cemetery in New Holland, SD.

Wayne was born on April 5, 1951 to Marie and Art Kok in Platte, South Dakota. He was baptized in the Christian Reformed Church of New Holland, South Dakota.

Wayne enjoyed living on the farm and attended schools in the area for special needs children. He also attended Children's Retreat in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Hope Haven in Rock Valley, Iowa. At the age of 14, he began attending the South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield, South Dakota. Later, he moved to the Center for Independence in Huron, South Dakota.

Huron became a special place to him. He liked the State Fair, the circus, parades, car races, and Salvation Army Men's night. Wayne enjoyed taking car rides, going out to eat, attending church and going to I Park Day Services five days a week. For a time, Wayne worked as a custodian's helper in Huron and also helped mow lawns. Volunteering at the Food Pantry was special to him.

Wayne will be remembered for loving holidays and birthdays. He especially liked keeping in contact with friends and family by sending letters and cards.

Wayne is survived by his sister, Lois and Jim Groenewold of Waupun, WI and brother Jay of Corsica, SD, nieces and nephews, Ryan and Sarah Groenewold, Reegan and Brady of Horicon, WI, Annie and Luke Lemmenes, Corbin and Hadley, all of Waupun, WI; and uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Travis Groenewold.

Special thanks to the staff at the Donny Wahl Apartments and the 1030 House for their wonderful care of Wayne these last years. The caregivers became his friends.