Walter Wayne Einhaus passed away June 19, 2024 just 10 days from his 94th birthday, after a brief illness. He was born on his family farm east of Napoleon on June 29, 1930, the son of Harvey John Einhaus and Blanch (Smith) Einhaus. Because he was named for his uncle Walter, his family and friends called him Wayne. In the early years on the farm, Wayne worked alongside his dad and younger brother, Randy. During that depression era, he grew to be a quiet, kind, hard-working, faithful man.
He met his future wife, Helen Todd, in the third grade. They continued to be classmates until they graduated in 1948 from Napoleon High School. While in school, Wayne sang in the choir and was student manager for the Napoleon Bearcats.
Wayne signed up for the National Guard while a senior in high school. His service began at Camp Atterbury where he served until 1951. In September of that year, he joined the Air Force which took the young man from a small, rural town to far-away places such as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and Wyoming, but his favorite stories were from his assignment at a very remote Cape Newenham, Alaska. His job there was to set up and run the post office before that territory became a state. After being discharged in 1955, for his service during the Korean War, he was awarded both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
After returning home, he reconnected with his classmate, Helen. They married April 28, 1956, at Rushville and spent their early married years in the Napoleon area. After briefly living west of Indianapolis, they returned home to help with the family farm. Wayne spent most of his working years at Federal Mogul/ BCA in Greensburg working in the Purchasing Department. In 1970, they moved to Osgood where he joined the Osgood Volunteer Fire Department and served as Fire Chief. He was also a long-time member of the Osgood United Methodist Church and served as a Trustee. After retiring in 1991, Wayne and Helen took many enjoyable bus trips around the country.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Helen, his sons David (Rebecca) Einhaus of Port Orchard, Washington, John (Sandy) Einhaus of Osgood, and daughter Karen (Mike) Black of Osgood, 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, his brother Randy, and twin granddaughters Celeste and Elizabeth Einhaus.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, June 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and on Tuesday, June 25 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at The Osgood United Methodist church before a Celebration of Life service beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. Memorials may be given to the Osgood Volunteer Fire Department or The Osgood United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.