LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Wayne King Hallenbeck, 83, passed away on Jan. 6, 2018, at St. Helena Hospital.

He was born on Feb. 6, 1934, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Warren and Etola Gregg Hallenbeck.

Wayne grew up in northern Illinois, graduating from Glenbard Township High School in 1952.

After a few years of working on a dairy farm, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served four years achieving the rank of Radarman Second Class and was honorably discharged in December 1961.

He moved to San Mateo, Calif., where he worked for California Water Service for 21 years. He then worked for Daly City as the manager of the water department until his retirement in 1988.

Wayne married Wilma Bleuer Nitzel on May 25, 1972, in San Mateo.

He enjoyed golfing and skiing and was an avid sailor. He was a past member of the Coyote Point Yacht Club and a past commodore of the Konocti Bay Sailing Club.

Wayne won many trophies sailing on San Francisco Bay, including taking first place for two consecutive years in the annual “Champion of Champions” race. He was the founder of Fleet No. 1 of the Islander 36 Association. Wayne and Wilma spent many weekends and vacations on their Islander 36, “Williwa.”

After retiring they moved to Redwood Valley then to Lake County to be closer to their sailing friends and to boat on Clear Lake. After suffering a stroke in 2002, he could no longer sail alone, but thanks to many wonderful members of KBSC who crewed for him, folded sails, etc., he was able to sail, as well as teach some newcomers to sailing.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sylvia (Jim) Bias.

Surviving are his wife, Wilma; twin brother, Warren; niece, Sharon (Mike) Wilson; nephew, Dean (Machiko) Bias; and stepson, Terry Nitzel.

A memorial service is pending. Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.