Walter Hempenius

Walter Leon Hempenius, of Cary, Illinois, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, August 27, 2016.
He was born August 11, 1938 in Lafayette, IN to Walter S. and Leona M. (nee Schelle) Hempenius. He married Suzanne Elinor Swick on September 23, 1960 in Akron, IN. Together they raised a daughter, Andrea Lea (Jeff) of Margeno, IL, and a son, Mark David (Marie) of Camp LeJuene, NC
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Born and raised north of Lafayette on a small farm, he attended Battle Ground High School, farmed for 2 years, and then obtained his BS in Dairy Manufacturing, his MS and PhD in Food Science in 1967, all from Purdue University. He was a member of the Indiana National Guard having served as an enlisted Sergeant and an officer in the 113th Medical Battalion, 38th Infantry Division where he was the adjutant to Company B Medical Hospital. He attended surgical training at Ft. Sam Houston, in San Antonio, TX.
He was employed by Pet Incorporated, Greenville, IL, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO, and by The Quaker Oats Company, Barrington, IL. He retired in 2008 after serving as a consultant for PepsiCo. He is best known for his research on Synthetic milk and soy beverages, Celeste Pizza, Gatorade, Snapple, Cereal Research and entering Quaker information into the computer system. He has several patents to his name.
He was a lifelong member of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, which changed its name to United Church of Christ in 1957. He was responsible for teaching Sunday school, both in Lafayette and in Barrington, the Building Ministry of St. Paul UCC in Barrington and in the past, the sound system.
He enjoyed gardening, home and automotive projects, reading, using the computer and spending time with his grandchildren.
Walter is survived by his wife of 56 years, Suzanne Elinor; his two children, Andrea Lea and Mark David; nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with one on the way; his brother, the Rev. Richard Hempenius of Blue Springs, MO; and his sister, Carolyn Nicum of Lafayette.
Friends may visit with Walter’s family on Saturday, September 3, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 401 E Main St., Barrington, beginning at 10 a.m. with the Memorial Service beginning at 11 a.m.

Inurnment will be held Tuesday, September 6 at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Lafayette, IN at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have donations made to the church.