WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Wayne Herbert Kaiser age 75,, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 1, 2022 at Ely Manor in Allegan, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Wayne was born January 22, 1947, to Herbert D. and Lena (Ver Sluis) Kaiser, in Kalamazoo. He graduated in 1965 from Kalamazoo Central High School, where he competed on the swim team all four years.
He attended Central Michigan University briefly before enlisting in the US Navy, where he served for four years and learned the electrician trade. From July 19, 1966 to June 17, 1970, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, aboard the USS Providence, USS Decatur, and the USS David Bradley. During his time of service he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and Sailor of the Year while aboard the USS Decatur in 1969.
In 1971 he married Diane Osgood in Mendon, where they raised their two daughters, Kim and Kelly. While in Mendon, Wayne worked at Lear Corp and Gene’s Electric.
On April 25, 1998, he married his second wife Claudia Mierau, moved to St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, and started his own business called House Calls Repair Service, where he did home and appliance repair. Wayne enjoyed fixing things and his business thrived until 2010, when he was forced to retire due to memory loss.
Wayne was known for being a handyman who could fix anything, but he was most known for his kindness, generosity and sunny smile.
Wayne is survived by his wife Claudia, Benton Harbor; his sister Linda (Roger) Swing of Cincinnati; his daughters Kim Kaiser of Portage.; and Kelly (Clay) Clingman, of Mountain View, CA; a stepson David (Ashley) Stroud of Las Vegas, NV; a stepdaughter Carmen Stroud, of Milwaukee; grandchildren: Daphka Morris, George Benske, Andrew and Audrey Stroud.
Wayne donated his body to science through MedCure. A celebration of his life was held beginning on Sunday, September 11 at the Bridgman American Legion Hall in Bridgman. Instead of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s honor, to Caring Circle Hospice of St. Joseph, Mich.
