Memorial Services for Wayne E. Kanzig, 89, Eudora, will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3615 W 10th St, Lawrence. A Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.
Wayne passed away on the evening of July 14, 2025, doing what he loved most—fixing things in the shop on the family farm. Fittingly, he left this life in the very same space where his father, Johnny, passed 42 years earlier.
Wayne was born January 6, 1936, in Lawrence, Kansas, the only (and admittedly spoiled) son of John and Bessie Kanzig. Ornery, hardworking, and sharp as a tack, he graduated from Baldwin High School in 1956 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Kansas in 1969. He grew up on the family farm, which his ancestors purchased in 1850 after immigrating from Switzerland by way of Ohio.
He served in the Coast Guard Reserves and later became a beloved science teacher in Olathe, Kansas. His unforgettable—and occasionally explosive—classroom experiments delighted his students (and sometimes rattled school administrators). Even after he left the classroom, he never stopped teaching, always eager to share knowledge with friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to know him.
Wayne also worked for decades as a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers Local 101, helping build major projects including Oak Park Mall and the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
Devoted to the farm and to his parents throughout his life, Wayne raised his son Terry and daughter Susie there—both becoming his loyal farm hands. After Susie left for college, Wayne met Helen—the love of his life and the best partner and farm hand he could have asked for.
Wayne had four children: Christina (who passed away at age 3), Terrence (Terry), Patricia (Patsy/Patty), and Suzanne (Susie). After 16 years as a single father, he met Helen at Clearfield Church in Eudora. Together, they raised a second family: Lee, Kirschen, and Remmey. Wayne and Helen shared 37 devoted years of marriage and were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Kanzig; sister, Roxie Hausman; children: Patty Allen (Tim), Susie Kanzig, Terry Kanzig (preceded in death by his wife Jan), Kirschen Minsky (preceded in death by her husband Mike), and Remmey Kanzig; grandchildren: Chip Allen, Libby Allen, Grace Murphy, Miles Murphy, Elly Stewart, Mack Stewart; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Greta Chubb; daughter Christina Kanzig; and son Lee Nelson.
Wayne also leaves behind a legendary sweet tooth. A double scoop of ice cream on a slice of pie was one of life’s great pleasures. Chocolate came in a close second.
May heaven be filled with sweets, tools that work perfectly, and fields ready to be harvested. You were a good man, deeply loved, and you will be missed more than words can say.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Public Radio.
Mail checks to:
Kansas Public Radio
1120 W 11th St
Lawrence KS 66044
Or online; kansaspublicradio.org
Please mention Wayne Kanzig in the comment section.
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We needed to add a couple more remembrance’s:
First, the last time we heard Wayne was the Sunday prior to his accident. He was getting his walker out of your vehicle in front of the church and Quill Merrill had his walker out and had already made it to the sidewalk in front of the church building. Quill and Wayne were like two cowboys from a western movie as they challenged each other to a race…whenever and wherever. They were both laughing and smiling as they exchanged their challenging words.
Second: Gay Connor had asked us to give her a ride to the funeral because she wanted to attend on behalf of her deceased husband, John. Gay told us that Wayne was his favorite person at church because Wayne always talked to him and smiled at him. Wayne evidently made a big impact on the Connor family.
We are going to miss his smiles and laughter.
I remembered wayne from a math class at ku. We sometimes met in the library before class to discuss homework for the calculus class the next hour. His sometimes comment was I think I’d rather get best up driving a bulldozer than go to this next class.
Wayne will be sorely missed by all of us. Sending love to Helen and Remmey. There are several “oldtimers” in the Lawrence wards whose husbands have passed….we often say we suspect they get together on the other side to visit with each other and check in on their families. Wayne will be, I am certain, a part of that group! My sincerest condolences on your loss.
We will miss this great man. All our love to Helen and family.