Wayne R. Van Niel

Wayne R. Van Niel, 80 years of age, and a lifetime resident of Amherst, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Amherst Manor Retirement | Sprenger Health Care Systems. 

Wayne was born on November 16, 1940, in Amherst, OH and spent his entire life in the Amherst area. 

Wayne worked at Ford Motor Company in Lorain for 33 ½ years before retiring. Throughout his career he also enjoyed his passion for bodywork on vehicles, refurbishing old license plates, and woodworking. He had a love for fishing, hunting, going to car shows in his 1947 Mercury Coupe, and was an excellent marksman. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife of fifty-six years, Jacqueline. He was a loving father of three, grandfather of six, and great grandfather of three. His personality was easy going and funny. He was the definition of a family man with an infectious smile and contagious laugh that enabled him to make many friends and acquaintances wherever he went. 

He will be missed by his loving wife Jacqueline (nee Uszak); his children Sherry (Robert) Szucs, Shelly (Frank) Zipp, Edward (Sharon) VanNiel. His grandchildren Miranda (Justin) Szink, Robert Szucs, Nikki (Andy) Trhlin, Ricky Shehan, Olivia VanNiel, and Grace VanNiel. His great grandchildren Jaclyn Szink, Rory Szink, and Blaise Trhlin. His siblings Regina Dalzel (nee VanNiel), Marilyn Lamprecht (nee VanNiel), Tammy Uszak, and Jonathan (Sue) Uszak. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his siblings Leonard VanNiel, Robert VanNiel, and Joan Fitch (nee VanNiel); and his parents Edwin and Lucy Anna VanNiel (nee Gilles). 

A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday April 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church; 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst.

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