Wayne C. Flanders

Wayne Charles Flanders, age 75, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on September 18, 2026.

Wayne was born in Heidelberg, Germany, on January 18, 1951. He moved to the United States as a young child and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Milwaukee Boys Technical High School and graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Business Management.

Wayne spent much of his career working as a manufacturing supervisor, including a tenure at Allis Chalmers. Mechanically minded and endlessly curious, he loved working with his hands and could talk for hours about how an engine worked. He had a remarkable memory for facts and figures, a passion for old movies and World War II history, and a quick, witty sense of humor. He was also a natural storyteller who always had a memory or interesting fact to share.

Wayne loved cars, motorcycles, boats, and exploring the outdoors. Some of his happiest times were spent fishing and on the water, including the many years he kept a boat in San Diego and the pontoon outings he shared with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and ATVs through the Sonoran Desert.

In the early 1990s, Wayne moved to Mesa, Arizona, where he enjoyed being close to his mother and sisters. Although he had many interests, his family remained at the center of his life. He always made time for his children and especially enjoyed gathering everyone together for board games and card games. He loved playing sheepshead and euchre and sharing his competitive spirit, laughter, and stories around the table.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Flanders and Stella Strzyzewski.

He is survived by his sisters, Lynne Roberts (Philip), and Cynthia Flanders; his daughters, Rachelle Hoehnen (Michael); Barbara Kolonowski (Kenneth); and Tammy Heintz.

He is further survived by his grandchildren, Jean-Luc Beaudoin, Liam Perotto, Ethan Perotto, Ella Hoehnen, Genevieve Hoehnen, Analee Hoehnen, Keegan Sonsthagen, Kailee Sonsthagen, Ashley Heintz, Amber Heintz; his great-grandchildren, Hunter Holt, Holden Holt and Hayden Holt; nephew Kenneth Stevens (Eunhwa) and their children, Lena and Sean, and other relatives and friends who will remember his intelligence, humor, stories, and independent spirit.

Wayne’s family extends a special thank-you to his sisters, Lynne and Cindy, for the care, companionship, and support they gave him during his later years.

A small memorial service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bucyrus Club 1919 12th Ave, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A luncheon will be served.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites you to make a donation in Wayne’s memory to the Arizona Wildlife Federation or Wisconsin Lakes. Please include Wayne Charles Flanders’s name if the donation form allows.