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February 5, 1935 – November 21, 2024

Wayne William Hentsch, 89, of Niles passed away on Thursday November 21, 2024 after a sudden decline related to his extended battle with cancer.

Wayne was born to William and Leona (Parker) Hentsch. His mother died 5 days after his birth and Wayne was raised by his Aunt Frieda on the family farm in Mokena, IL for the first 13 years of his life after which, his step-mother Clara Hentsch became his strong mothering supporter. Wayne was active on the Niles High School Track team where he set time records and was a standout.

After graduating from Niles High School in the class of 1953 he was employed by Kawneer until they moved away from Niles. Wayne was then employed by Old Kent Bank (currently Fifth/Third Bank) for 25 years until his retirement. He managed the maintenance for 23 branches and one of his favorite tasks was setting up Christmas trees in each branch. While still a young man, Wayne joined the Army Reserves obtaining the rank of Sergeant and served until he was discharged in 1962.

On September 24, 1960 Wayne married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church the love of his life, Barbara Uselton who has predeceased him. They were blessed with a son Stephen Hentsch of Edwardsburg who survives and a granddaughter Amanda Hentsch of Grand Rapids.

Wayne was a faithful and devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for 75 years where he enjoyed being on the Dart Ball team and the fellowship the church offered. He had many hobbies including gardening, fall color trips to Maine and Antiquing with Barbara. Their garden on Oak Street drew many visitors. Wayne loved Jazz and would daily play selections from his extensive vinyl collection.

He was an avid Detroit Lions and Tigers fan.

Wayne was blessed to have the loving support during these last years of his “Angels” Dick and Sue Rossow of Buchanan and also sister-in-law and brother-in-law, whose constant care allowed him to enjoy activities at the Senior Center of Buchanan where he was a regular and made many friends.

He was blessed to spend his last years at Woodland Terrace where the staff and residents became his “special” family providing him with opportunity to nurture his indoor greenhouse and take care of other residents’ plants while working his many jigsaw puzzles.

Other family include a brother William Hentsch who no longer survives, a sister Karen (Barry) Ludwig and nieces Aubrey and Kelsay and their families as well as several great nephews and niece Services for Wayne will be held Monday, December 2nd, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, at 11:00 A.M. An hour of visitation will be held prior from 10:00-11:00 A.M.

Memorial contributions for Wayne may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1340 Sycamore St, Niles, MI 49120.

Memories of Wayne may be left at BrownFuneralHomeNiles. com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.