Wayne Arthur Huerth

Wayne Arthur Huerth, age 58, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, surrounded by love.

Wayne was born on November 26, 1967, at McHenry Hospital and spent his childhood in Forest Lake, Illinois. Around the age of 10, he enjoyed pheasant hunting with his father and their English Pointer, a tradition that became a cherished part of their relationship. He also enjoyed shooting sporting clays, playing ice hockey, and learning to sail. Lake Geneva became another special place in Wayne’s life. Beginning in 1977, he raced sailboats with his father at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club for 12 years, and he eventually became president of the Geneva Lake Sailing School in the early ’90s. As a family, they spent their weekends in Lake Geneva sailing, water skiing, and snow skiing; these activities shaped Wayne’s lifelong love of being outdoors and instilled in him strong family values, as he always cared deeply for his mother, Joan, and older sister, Leslie.

Wayne was a 1985 graduate of Lake Zurich High School, where he was captain of the football team while also playing basketball and running track and field. He was widely known for being kind to his classmates and always stepping up to help others, and he was crowned prom king as well as homecoming king. Later on, Wayne attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he majored in business and graduated in 1989. While at Miami, he was a proud member and president of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. His brotherhood at Miami University was an experience that gave him lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and more than a few good laughs.

Wayne lived life to the fullest—with his generous spirit, love for adventure, and deep appreciation for family and friendship. As he often told all his kids, “Work hard in order to play hard.” Wayne’s greatest joy was in the people he met along his wild ride and the experiences that were made for storytelling. Wayne’s kindness, warmth, humor, and compassion made people feel cared for and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

In 2018, Wayne married his Jersey Girl and soulmate, Melinda Disbrow Huerth. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, dear friends, trips around the world, and treasured time in their happy place, Cabo. Wayne was also referred to as “captain” as he and Melinda enjoyed entertaining friends on their boat from the shores of Milwaukee, to Chicago, and New Buffalo, Michigan. Melinda and Wayne loved hosting together and always found a way to bring the fun wherever they went together.

Wayne was a devoted father to his four children: Carolyn, Will, Claudia, and Charlie. They were an immeasurable source of pride and joy, and he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first grandson. Wayne always talked about how proud he was of his children, showing off their accolades, whether in sports, school, or their careers.

Wayne spent his career at Tuf-Tite/Inpres, where he was known as a brilliant, hardworking, and dependable leader. He took great pride in his work and deeply valued the relationships he built throughout the years, including his friendship with Tuf-Tite owner Ted Meyers.

Outside of boating and hunting, Wayne also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and sharing a good cocktail with family and friends. A naturally gifted craftsman, he could repair, renovate, or build almost anything. He took particular pride in the home he created with Melinda—a place filled with love, laughter, and memories.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Melinda Huerth; his children, Carolyn (Augustus) Geldermann, William Huerth, Claudia Huerth, and Charlie Huerth; his parents, Art and Joan Huerth; his sister, Leslie Huerth; his aunt, Arlene Polster; his in-laws, Barbara and Albert Disbrow; his brother-in-law, Cory Disbrow; and many dear friends and loved ones.

Though Wayne’s time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the memories he created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Rest peacefully, Wayne. You were deeply loved, you are greatly missed, and you will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life is currently pending, please check back shortly for details.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne’s name can be made to JourneyCare Barrington (please select JourneyCare when asked about Hospice Agency) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.