Edward Wanke

Edward N. Wanke of Watertown passed away at his home on Tuesday., March 13, 2018. The Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Visitation will be on Saturday March 17 from 9:30 - 1l:00 AM at St. Henry Church, 411 South Fourth Street in Watertown. Services will follow at 11:00 AM with the Very Reverend Patrick J. Wendler officiating. Edward was a life-long resident of Watertown and a life-long member of St. Henry Catholic Church. On September 15, 1932 he was born to Anthony and Genevieve (Pitterle) Wanke. He was a graduate of St. Henry's Catholic School and the Watertown High School. Edward served our country as a member of the United States Army from January 16, 1953 through November 14, 1954 during the Korean War. On June 18, 1960, Edward was united in marriage to Marie Gmeinder at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Watertown. Edward and Marie were the proud parents of son Phillip (Julie) of Mindoro, WI. Marie preceded Edward in death in 2008. Edward was a welder for the former Syncromatic Corporation and the Biefled Company in Watertown; Alloy Products in Waukesha; and as an inspector with the Wisconsin Natural Gas Company in Watertown, retiring in 1994 after nearly 31 years of service with them. After retirement, Edward worked on a part-time basis for the Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Edward had numerous interests as an avid Sheepshead player, woodworking, fishing, hunting, bowling and gardening. Edward co-chaired the Court-Yard between St. Henry's School and Church for over 10 years. Edward is a current member of the Catholic Knights of Columbus, Council #1478, the American Legion Post #189, the Watertown Senior Center, AARP Chapter #3056, St. Vincent De Paul Society and has donated numerous gallons of blood for the American Red Cross Blood Bank. Edward was a former member of the St. Henry Cemetery Committee, the Former Holy Name Society, St. Henry's Usher Society, the Watertown 4-H Club, a volunteer at the former Beverly Terrace, Meal on Wheels, participated in numerous fund-raising projects for various Watertown organizations and assisted with the St. Henry Aluminum Can Project for many years. In addition to Edward's son and daughter-in-law, he is survived by a grandson, Brandon, brother Donald (Jen) of Ixonia and Earl (Connie) of Watertown. He is further survived by a sister-in-law, Sister Marcus Gmeinder, C.S.A. of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, nieces and nephews Tonya (Sean) Hamson, Diane (Todd) Cantwell, Dan (Michelle) Wanke and Julie (Scott) Krahn, and several great nieces and nephews, many cousins, relatives and friends. Edward was further preceded in death by his wife, Marie in 2008, a son, Patrick in 1991, his parents, a brother in infancy in 1939, a sister and brother-in-law Joanne and Larry Pike, his in-laws Edwin and Emma Gmeinder and grandparents. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.watertownwifuneralhome.com

Visitation

Saturday, March 17, 2018 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Henry Catholic Church
412 N 4th St Watertown 53094, United States