Obituaries

George Wayne Oetjen (Wayne), age 77, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away September 24, 2025 surrounded by family. Wayne was born September 13, 1948 in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, the oldest son of the late George William and Jeanne Katherine (Rohmiller) Oetjen. Wayne grew up in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky where he attended Highlands High School, excelled at football and was awarded all state and all Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference acknowledgements. After high school, Wayne attended Georgetown College, earning a degree in Economics and Business. While there, he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, was an assistant baseball coach, and proudly continued his football career where he was captain, a four year letter winner, and bestowed best offensive lineman of the squad. Following college, Wayne enlisted as a member of the Army Reserves and began a career in insurance sales. He did this with the support of his beloved wife, Donna (nee Buchert), who he married in 1969. They have three daughters. He was a proud husband and father and cherished all of his girls. Wayne was known as a kind, generous, honest, and well-principled man whose good character translated into his work life. He spent the majority of his career as President and CEO of Hukill, Hazlett, Harrington and Company Insurance Agency. Additionally, Wayne was known in the community through numerous roles including President of the Highlands Country Club, sitting on boards for local businesses, and, of course, coach to his daughters’ sports teams. Wayne lived his life well and loved to travel. He was an avid golfer and Bengals fan, loved Elvis and the Righteous Brothers, and his many friends. Above all, he loved Donna and his girls, his grandchildren, and his two brothers, with whom he was exceptionally close. He has been the best husband, father, papa, and brother. He was an amazing example every day and simply adored by his family. His life is important and impactful. He will be missed. Wayne is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna Buchert Oetjen, his three daughters; Stephanie Oetjen (Justin Millard), Sarah (Brad) Ackel, Emily (Riley) Oliver, his seven grandchildren; Evan, Ben, Avery, Addison, Hannah, Merin, and Will as well as his two brothers; Greg (Linda) and Gary (Kathy) Oetjen. A special note of gratitude to Jackie Morgan, Nicolle Szatkowski, Kandie Baldwin, and Mary Sue Thackston for their love and support. A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.