Wayne Allen Nash

On September 5, 2025, Wayne Allen Nash entered into his eternal rest at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Wayne was the youngest of 13 children born to Ray and Janie (Kreigh) Nash on June 27, 1943. He was born and raised on the family farm south of Custer and graduated from Mason County Eastern High School, Ferris State College, and Michigan Technological University. While at Ferris, Wayne met and married his “love for life,” Bonnie Jean Stoeffler. They were married on July 18, 1964 in Kalamazoo and had recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. Together they raised three daughters. Wayne’s vocation was that of a chemical engineer for the Dow Chemical Company, working at their sites in Ludington, Midland, and Bay City. After retiring in 1998, he and Bonnie moved to the Holland, Michigan area where he did consulting work for a few years. Following that, they spent many years in Traverse City near one of their daughters and her family. Wayne was particularly active in his church in Midland making an impact in the lives of many children and teenagers over the years, whether it was the bus ministry, AWANA, or as a youth group leader. Once his daughters left the house, Wayne was part of a special ministry to be a father figure to several young men who didn’t have a father in their lives. Wherever he lived, he found ways to help others through his church and community. Wayne enjoyed the outdoors and was always on the move. He loved metal detecting, deer hunting, and taking nature walks. In his retirement years, Wayne also loved playing Santa, growing a beautiful white beard, and would visit malls, retirement homes, and preschools, sharing with everyone the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of his personal Savior. Anyone who met Wayne was always greeted with an infectious smile; a kind, caring heart; and a sparkle in his clear blue eyes. He LOVED telling dad jokes and had a wonderful sense of humor. His daughters remember his many phrases like “off like a dirty shirt,” “punch it Margaret,” and “hold on to your belly button.” He cared deeply for his large extended family, with the Nash family reunions being a highlight of his year. His daughters and grandchildren have very special memories of camping, canoeing, his cheering at their sports, and spending quality time together. Wayne was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Surviving him are his wife, Bonnie; his daughters Sue (Rob) Duguid, Julie (Forrest) Fernandez, and Sara (Mark) Hurley; 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; his sister Shirley Small and brother Robert Nash; Donny Varney, who was like a son to him; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and six sisters (Catherine, Irene, Florence, Erta, Hazel, and Betty) and four brothers (Richard, Raymond, Victor and Gale). With every breath, I long to follow Jesus For He has said that He will bring me home And day by day, I know He will renew me Until I stand with joy before the throne To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus All the glory evermore to Him When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat "Yet not I, but through Christ in me" — lyrics by City Alight “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.” Revelations 3:20 (ESV) Visitation with Wayne's family will be from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland, MI 49464. There will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10 at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South, 3941 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. To leave condolences online, please visit www.yntemafh.com

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Wayne Allen Nash

June 27, 1943 - September 5, 2025