William Bret Hentzler

William Bret Hentzler, age 58, passed away April 4, 2022, at the University of Kansas Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. He died unexpectedly from acute leukemia. Bret was born on July 22, 1963, in Manhattan, Kansas. He spent many summers playing golf in his formative years at Shawnee Country Club and Cedar Crest Country Club. He graduated from Topeka High School and earned a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University. After graduation, he moved to California for his first job at a firm that designed golf courses. Later Bret worked several years for Blackburn's Nursery before pursuing a career in residential construction and remodeling in the Topeka area. Upon returning to Kansas, he met and later married Susan Lea Fowler on July 11, 1992. Two sons completed their family. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop late into the night and was a lifelong lover of nature. He spent many weeknights and weekends cheering at his sons and nephews' sporting events and gathering with family for celebrations. He made wonderful friends throughout his life playing golf and pool, and smoking barbeque. Bret is survived by his two sons, William Joseph Hentzler and his partner Jonathan Lee Poquiz, and Benjamin Nathan Hentzler and his wife Kylie Quay Hentzler, née Lummis, and granddaughter Luna Gray Hentzler; his mother Diana Louise Lauer, née Keefover, step-father John Hopkins Lauer, and step-mother Marilyn Rae Forseman; his sister Brooke Louanne Roark, née Hentzler, her husband Brendon Hidei Roark and their sons Nick, Will, Haden, and Max; five step-siblings and their families; and his ex-wife Susan Fowler-Hentzler. He is survived by more family including aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father William Carl Hentzler III. A celebration of Bret's life will be held at Lake Shawnee Shelter #6 on July 23, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A BBQ lunch will be provided. BYOB. His family encourages posting photos and stories to his memorial page on Midwest Cremation's website (https://bit.ly/BretHentzlerObit). Those who wish to express sympathy may make a donation to their favorite charity in Bret's name.