Renowned San Angelo Chef Dies After Battle with Melanoma

SAN ANGELO, TX - After a "long and fearless struggle with melanoma," Henry D. Wiens, Jr., 65, passed away today in the presence of his family and friends.

According to his obituary, Henry was born on May 7, 1951 in Wichita, Kansas to Henry and Jean Wiens. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska.

"A man of great faith, Henry had no greater love than his love for Christ," said his obituary. "After graduating from Hesston College seminary in Kansas, Henry served as a Mennonite church planter in Colorado, and had a life-long passion to serve others."

Henry also had a passion for adventure, and went shrimp-boating across the country in the 70s, traveled and explored "all that life and this great big world had to offer."

Henry was best known for his distinguished career as a chef and in food service management and consulting. He specialized in patient service, kitchen production, catering and retail service for large hospital systems, including San Angelo Community Medical Center, where he was executive chef and nutrition services director.

Henry appeared on local television segments "Let's Eat," and most recently "Savor Food & Life."

Henry attended the ProChef Program at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and "enjoyed teaching cooking techniques and recipes, and sharing his passion with the many he mentored."

In light of today's news, SACMC CEO Jeremy Riney sent the following statement to hospital staff:

"It is with a heavy heart that I relay the following message to you. This morning our dear friend, Chef Henry Wiens, passed away. As some of you knew, Henry had been battling a terminal illness, and this morning, with his family by his side, he gently passed away. I don’t have to tell you how much Henry meant to this organization, as you have each at one time or another been blessed by Henry’s graciousness and kindness on multiple occasions throughout your time here at San Angelo Community Medical Center. The loss of Henry will be deeply felt by so many here at SACMC and within the community of San Angelo as a whole, but his gentle, gracious and kind spirit will forever be remembered."

"Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Harper Funeral Home, and services will be on Sunday, December 18, at 3 p.m. at the Christoval Vineyard Chapel."

To read Henry's complete obituary, click here.

From all our staff here at San Angelo LIVE!, we offer our sincere condolences to Henry's family and close friends, and to the SACMC staff who worked closely with him.