Leona visited Wayne during basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, in the fall of 1943.  Wayne received his draft notice at the age 35, on September 3, 1943. Three weeks later, he reported for basic training. Fellow soldiers called him "Pop's" because of his age when he entered the military.

Leona lived in Belvidere, Nebraska while Wayne served in the U.S. Army during World War II. In late January, 1945, he nearly froze to death in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to the United States on April 1, 1945 and was discharged from the Army on October 4, 1945. Wayne received both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Following his discharge from the service, Wayne and Leona lived in Bruning, Nebraska, and published the Bruning Banner newspaper. Wayne also served as Postmaster in Bruning for 14 years before retiring in  December 1977. Leona passed away on October 11, 1995 and Wayne died on September 21, 2000.