Wayne "Giff" Howard Gifford

Gifford, Wayne H. “Giff” 

14 August 1938 – 30 August 2026

Giff, a former U.S. Marine, Vietnam combat veteran, and retired U.S. Army Sargent First Class, rendered his final salute on August 30, 2026, and reported for his new duty assignment and adventure. 

He earned his BA from the University of MN, and his MA from University of St. Thomas. Giff taught in the Army JROTC program at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights for 29 years. 

Giff is preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Gifford and brothers James and Ronald. He is survived by brother John. His progeny includes a son and two daughters; Wayne (Susie), Becky Bare and Amy Becker (Shawn). The grandchildren are April Beam, Joanna Gifford, Tyler Bare, Zachary Becker and Mikayla Becker, and two great grandchildren Devon Beam and Tobias Becker. A small service will be held at Lebanon Hills Cemetery in Apple Valley, MN on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 1:30 pm, with a gathering after.