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My cousin Wayne has passed away. I actually knew Wayne's siblings better than I knew him,.
Jack, Lavona, and Juanita were much closer to my age. Jack was always my favorite cousin, and Juanita actually lived in Belleville for a while - and I had her daughter Linda in my second grade class at one point! I knew him, of course, just not as well. His family is devastated - his nieces thought the world of him and will miss him terribly. Another sad time for another great family.
KANITZ, Wayne Williams - Age 86, of Fenton, died Thursday, June 6, 2013.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, June 10, 2013 at Hartland United Methodist Church, 10300 Maple Road, Hartland. Rev. Ray Lanning officiating. Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd, Fenton Sunday from 1-4 and 5-8 PM and at church Monday from 10:00 AM until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the Wayne W. Kanitz Memorial Fund. Wayne was born August 3, 1926 in Lincoln Park, the son of Elby and Lela (Williams) Kanitz.
He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army. He married Marcella Vivian Fleck September 29, 1950 in Milan. A proud soldier and golden gloves champ, Wayne served in the Army from 1945 until 1948 in the occupation force of Germany after WWII. An accomplished athlete , and community advocate, Wayne enjoyed making wooden toys for children and served on the board at Hartland United Methodist Church.
He retired with 30 years of service at the Milford GM Proving Grounds and had been retired for 32 years. Loving husband to Marcella V. (Fleck) Kanitz; father of James (Sherrie) , Howard, and Ken (Vivian); grandfather of 11 grandchildren, 2 of whom preceded him in death, Lori Michelle Kanitz and Ryan James Bucco.
From a family of 10, Wayne is survived by sisters, Juanita Mason and Lavona Dennison; brother, Jack Kanitz; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents and 6 brothers and sisters. Online tributes may be posted on the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.
