Bryan L. "Dink" Denklau, 64, of Wayne, died unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 at Providence Medical Center in Wayne.
Memorial visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wayne.
Memorials may be directed to the Wayne Youth Bowling program and Wayne Vets Club.
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.
Bryan Lee Denklau, father of three and husband to Susan Marie (Schwartz) Denklau was born Oct. 23, 1957 in Omaha to Wayne Sr. and Lorraine (Voss) Denklau. After graduating from Winside High School in 1976, he attended Columbus Community College where he graduated with an Associate's Degree in Automotive Technology. He married Susan at Trinity Lutheran Church in Winside on Oct. 24, 1987. To this union, three children were born: Samantha, Michael, and Miranda.
Bryan traveled the states while growing up with a father who was a mechanic in the Air Force. He was an all-around sports guy who participated in slow pitch softball, fast pitch softball, and drag racing. Bryan was always quick to grab someone, especially Sue, to two-step with him on the dance floor. As he grew older his hobbies and interests included: bowling, watching NASCAR and attending races with his wife, collecting sports memorabilia, watching his children participate in athletics, following Nebraska athletics, and watching his grandchildren grow. Even though he would never admit to this, he enjoyed spending time with his grand-dogs: Chase and Layla.
Bryan was a good mechanic and dedicated to his job. He was honest and never afraid to tell you what was on his mind. He taught his children many important skills that helped them evolve into the people they are today. He believed that it took hard work to make a living and that things were not just handed to you. He took pride in passing those values on to his children and hope to instill that in his grandchildren, too.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Susan; daughter Samantha (Lucas) Wood, son, Michael Denklau, and daughter, Miranda Denklau; three grandsons: Maddox, Ian, and Brody Wood; brother, Wayne Jr (Susan) Denklau; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Lorraine Denklau.
