Mr. Wayland A. and Mrs. Lois M. Tenkku

Wayland A. Tenkku, age 97, was born November 9, 1926 in Painesville and passed away several hours after his loving wife of 75 years, Lois M. Tenkku, age 96, who was born September 4, 1927 in Lakewood, and passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Blessed with a long, joyful life of love and devotion, they now continue together, eternally joined with the Lord. Meeting at Perry High School, Wayland and Lois were married August 8, 1948 and resided in the Lake County area for most of their 75 years together. After serving his country during World War II, Wayland attended Case Institute of Technology, Cleveland, where he received his degree in mechanical engineering. Highly respected by colleagues he worked as a mechanical engineer at Fluid Regulators Inc., Painesville, Fluid Controls Inc., Mentor and Sun Hydraulics Inc., Sarasota, FL for many years, retiring at age 90. He was a contributing member of SAE International, presenting influential engineering articles. Known for his attention to detail, Wayland held numerous patents on hydraulic valves. Lois was a registered nurse, earning her nursing degree from Mount Sinai Hospital, Cleveland in 1948. As a compassionate nurse she brought skilled care and healing to the patients at Euclid Hospital, Manor Care, and Lake County Health Department, to name a few. Together Wayland and Lois were devout Christians, exemplifying in character and action the impact of faith in God in their lives. As members of Faith Lutheran Church, Mentor for 65 years, worship, bible class and service were an integral part of each week. Wayland and Lois loved entertaining friends and family, hosting couples bridge club gatherings, traveling, and golfing together as well as separately. Lois was an ardent member of the Women’s Committee of the Fine Arts Association, Mentor Women’s Club, and Wildwood Garden Club. A woman of faith, Lois advanced the work of God through Women’s Guild and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Wayland enjoyed the Rotary Club and Case Western Reserve Alumni Association. He was a proud supporter of the Finnish Heritage Museum and the Lake County Historical Society. Together they were always enthusiastic supporters of concerts, recitals and shows available through the Fine Arts Association, Willoughby, the Ashtabula Arts Center, The Cleveland Orchestra and the Canton Symphony. Blossom Music Center and Playhouse Square were often favorite destinations. To attend a concert or recital featuring a family member was always eagerly anticipated. Family was of utmost importance to Wayland and Lois. As devoted parents they took great pride in watching their children grow and succeed. They cherished their roles as heads of the family, showering the ever-expanding family with love and affection. Survivors include their children, Sanni (James) Kearns, Wayland T. (Rhonda) Tenkku, Lauren (Bob) Godfrey, and Kevin (Laura) Tenkku. They are also survived by 11 loving grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Wayland is survived by his beloved sister, Ruth (Joe) Lynch They were preceded in death by Lois’ parents, Thomas and Melba Green, Wayland’s parents, Adolph and Sanni Tenkku; Wayland’s step-mother, Willetta, his brothers, Raymond and Robert, Lois’ brother, Thomas, sister, Carol; and their one great grandchild. The family will receive friends to celebrate Wayland and Lois’ lives from 12-4 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral service to honor them will be held 10 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Church, 8125 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. To watch the livestream of the funeral service please visit, https://www.youtube.com/live/5TohDh2Rdc4?si=F5hk2H0Ep-wUj6kS Interment will be in Mentor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Lois and Wayland to The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094, online gifts may also be made and dedicated in their honor at www.fineartsassociation.org or to the Ashtabula Arts Center, W. 13th Street, Ashtabula, OH 44004, donate online at www.ashtabulaartscenter.org or to the Our Shepherd Lutheran School 508 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH 44077 or to the Faith Lutheran Church, 8125 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.