Wayne Edgar Hettenbach

Wayne E. "Soggy" Hettenbach, 83, of Evansville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Linda E. White Hospice House with family by his side.

Wayne was born on May 10, 1942, in Evansville to the late Edgar Carl and Elizabeth Matilda (Hartig) Hettenbach. Wayne graduated in 1960 from Reitz High School, then served our country in the United States Army. He received his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Evansville in 1975, then later retired from QualEx.

Surviving Wayne are his two daughters Gail (Ryan) Peterson and Jamie (Nate) Barchett, grandchildren, Jordyn Peterson, Cali Peterson, Journey Peterson and Lyanna Barchett, sisters-in-law, Sharon Studer and Joyce Lindy, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his former wife of 52 years, Ann (Lindy) Hettenbach; who he remained close to until her death in April of 2025; a sister and brother-in-law Carol and Jerry Clewlow, and his dog, Peppar.

Wayne loved playing golf and watching NASCAR. On any given Sunday, you could hear the sound of racecars in his home coming from the television. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon and he had a whole bookshelf of memorabilia for #24. He was a member of the Evansville Athletic Club & the Darmstadt Retirees. Soggy loved sharing a cold beer with friends at Leroy's Tavern, Darmstadt Inn, or Hornville Tavern. He never met a stranger.

His daughters would like to thank Wyndmoor for looking after him these last few years, even when he was being a "crotchety ole man," and to the Deaconess Midtown ICU nurse Sydney for her warmth and kindness during his stays.

There will be a memorial gathering held from 3:00 until 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be an informal sharing of memories at 6:00 PM. Entombment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.