Wayne J. Sinz, former resident of San Mateo, passed away peacefully on Sept.
7, 2016, in Manteca, California. He will be remembered by all that knew him,
even at the end, as a “true gentleman”.
Wayne was born to Clarence and Lena Sinz in Eau Galle Wisconsin on April 12,
1923. He was the 3rd of 6 children, and spent his boyhood on a dairy farm
called “Cold Stream Farms”. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in
1940, and attended the Univ. of Wisconsin for 2 1/2 yrs. His education was cut
short when he enlisted with the military in 1943. His training took him to Santa
Rosa, CA and Prescott, AZ where he trained as a fighter pilot. He ultimately
served his country in WWII in the US Army Air Corp . He flew 60 combat
missions in the European theatre, including liberating the Normandy coastline on
D-Day and earned many medals for bravery in combat. In later years when
asked about his service, he would always modestly say “we just did what we had
to do”.
When he returned to the states, he settled in the SF Bay Area and began a
career which lasted over 40 years with the Bank of America. Wayne was an avid
bowler, participating in a league into his 90th year. He was also a lifelong fan of
the SF Giants and 49ers, fondly remembering the “good old days” at Seals
Stadium, Cezar, and Candlestick. He also loved following the sports careers of
his grandsons Adam and Justin as they grew.
Wayne’s strong faith grounded him. He was a happy man who lived simply and
embraced life’s smallest pleasures. His kindness, quiet good nature, and love for
family will be deeply missed but always treasured. He belonged to the “greatest
generation”, where the values of hard work, integrity and morality were principles
he honored daily and passed on to his children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 siblings, and daughter Sandra. He is
survived by his children, Janice Brunner of Concord CA, Gary Sinz of Auburn CA,
and Vanessa Knepp (Dennis) of Manteca CA, and 2 grandsons, Adam Knepp
(Abigail) of NYC, and Justin Knepp of San Jose CA. He is also survived by one
brother Larry (Joan), and will be remembered, by his large extended family in
Wisconsin which includes many nieces and nephews who fondly remember his
Fall visits home each September.
Services with full military honors, will take place on Saturday Nov. 5, 2016 in Eau Galle, Wisconsin at St. Henry’s Church at 11 am. Visitation will be one hour before. He will be laid to rest at St Henry’s Cemetery with his parents and siblings. Those wishing to donate in Dad’s name please give to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl. New York, NY 10001.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.