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Watertown racer Waba passes at 62

Tim Waba

Tim Waba passed away at the age of 62, on Monday, January 15, 2024 in Watertown, SD.

Timothy “Tim” Alan Waba was born on July 29, 1961, in Watertown, South Dakota to James “Jim” Waba, Sr. and Sandra (Thompson) Hoffman. Tim grew up in Watertown, graduating from Watertown High School in 1979.

On July 19, 1980, Tim married the love of his life, Carol Heasley, in Watertown. Tim and Carol had two children, Jessica and Justin. Tim worked at Loken’s sale barn before starting his career in plumbing with Redlinger Bros. He worked with Redlinger Bros for 28 years until he decided to start his own plumbing and heating business, Dakota Plumbing and Heating.

Tim enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. Tim decided to take up racing and began his racing career at the prime age of 50. Tim smiled ear-to-ear every time he climbed into his race car and had a blast no matter how the race was going. He was full of life, always smiling, joking, laughing, and just enjoying every day. Tim enjoyed making his “rounds” visiting with people. Everyone knew when Tim would show up with his contagious laugh that filled the room. He never gave a glance without a witty comment. He had a way with people and an aura of happiness that followed him everywhere he went.

Tim was known as “Rooster,” “Cupcake,” “Two-cookies,” “9-volt,” and “Smoke,” just to name a few. Tim was truly a genuine and sincere man.

His grandkids were one of his greatest joys and he enjoyed spending all the time with them. He loved to tell them stories from when he grew up and all the educational tall tales he learned. Being a grandfather was Tim’s greatest reward in life.

Tim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol; his children, Jessica (Sean) Lessin and Justin Waba, Watertown, SD; five grandchildren, Luka, Anaka, Dawson, Diem, and Daylee; his mother, Sandra Hoffman; and brother, James, Jr. (Lori) Waba, Watertown, SD.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Waba Sr.; brother, Michael Waba, and his grandparents.

Pallbearers included Jon Tesch, Josh (Spongee) Hoftiezer, Tim (Swaney) Swanson, Kyle Schroeder, Trevor Anderson, and Scott Ward.

Honorary pallbearers included his grandchildren, Mark Mandery, Doug Barlow, and Casino Speedway racers.