DeByle dies at 92

Local businessman DeWayne “Speck” DeByle died on Christmas Eve at the age of 92, according to an obituary posted on the Carlson Funeral Home website.  DeByle was a lifelong resident of Rhinelander and a member of the Rhinelander High School Class of 1951, according to the obituary. After earning a degree in business, he returned to Rhinelander to work as the third generation in the family business, DeByle’s Clothing, the notice reads.

“He grew the clothing business to five stores in Northern Wisconsin,” the obituary reads. “He was always innovating and finding new things to sell in his stores. Speck was not satisfied just being a ‘rag salesman’ as his entrepreneurial spirit moved him into commercial real estate. His eye for design and his drive to have the best properties was capped with the Rhinelander Depot renovation where he maintained his own office until 2024.”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Cleary, and is survived by four children, 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

Visitation for DeByle is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Carlson Funeral Home (134 N. Stevens St.) Additional information is available at www.carlsonfh.com.