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1936
2014
A. Wayne Wiens, Emeritus Professor of Biology at Bethel College, passed away unexpectedly February 6, 2014.
Born October 31, 1936, he graduated from Hillsboro High School, completed a natural science major at Bethel College, a zoology masters at Kansas State University, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry and cell biology at Northwestern University.
A consummate teacher, Wayne began his career at Kansas University as a teaching assistant and retired from Bethel College in 2010. He loved gardening, his pets, reading, sailing, travel, crafting wooden toys, and working with Habitat for Humanity. He especially enjoyed cutting hedge wood for the stove with his dear friend Charles Graber, and working on the MCC Meat Canning Project with friend and colleague Hugo Boschmann.
Wayne is survived by his wife Gail Lutsch of Newton, Kansas; daughter Amy of Columbus, Ohio; son Eric (Susan Neufeld) of El Cerrito, California; brothers Wendell Wiens of Newton, Kansas, Paul Wiens (Dolores) of St. George, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place this Sunday, February 16, at 1 p.m. in Krehbiel Auditorium, Fine Arts Center, Bethel College, with a gathering to follow in Krehbiel Science Center atrium.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Each and every ray of flickering candle light represents the moments in time I will think of you. Endless moments, endless memories; each more endearing than the next. You are missed more then ever thought imaginable. Tears have begun to lead to smiles. Your garden is blooming to honour you. Will have so many things to share when we meet again.
With love, Amy
May 15, 2014
Our arms are around you, Gail, Eric, Amy, and all your family as you grieve for and remember Wayne, your husband, your father, your loved one. With love, Tim Regier, Steve and Gera Regier, Karen Healy (nee Regier) and Bill DeRoin
Karen Healy
February 22, 2014
Wayne was a great professor, inspirational and motivating. Touched many lives without even meaning to. I will always remember him fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with Gail and his family.
Carmina Suter
February 16, 2014
Wayne was a dedicated teacher and mentor to me. He will be greatly missed.
Keith Ratzlaff
February 15, 2014
Wendell and other family members: Wayne's legacy from students and so many others who learned from his joyful spirit will live through generations, even as we mourn the loss of his smile and wisdom. Praying for God's comfort for you all.
Deb Bergen
February 14, 2014
Dr. Wiens was an amazing professor and a great mentor. I owe much of my success in life to him. He and his family are in my thoughts and prayers!
February 13, 2014
My prayers & best wishes to professor Wayne's family & loved ones. He was a great individual & an amazing teacher - one of my favourite professor. May his soul rest in peace. He continues to live in our hearts & memories.
- Unita
Unita Kham
February 12, 2014
Gayle, Sharon and I are so sorry to hear this! Peace and blessings to you.
Steve and Sharon Pankratz
February 12, 2014
To Gail, Amy and Eric, this is so hard for us to believe. We share in your agony over the loss of Wayne. We will miss not seeing him when we come to Newton. We so enjoyed our
five years living next door on Royer West now 17 years ago.
February 12, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you at this difficult time.
Rebecca Schloneger
February 12, 2014
Gayle, I am so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. May God's comfort and the care
and love of friends strengthen you and bless you.
Gladys Graber
February 12, 2014
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