Joseph “Joe” Wanko, Jr.

Joseph Wanko, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, May 31, 2018.

Loving Husband  to Carol Walker (nee Kirby) and the late Barbara Wanko (nee Hise); Loving father of the late David Wanko (Karen), Terri Hugo (Victor), and Scott Wanko (Ann); Dear stepfather of Andrew Walker M.D. (Carrie), Nancy Schoeck (Robert), Peter G. Walker, Susan Cowley (Kevin), Janet Walker (Neal Romanek),Ellen M. Walker, and Philip Walker (Wakako Tokunaga); Loving Grandpa, Big Maca, and Grandpa Joe of  Robyn and Randi Wanko, Jordan Fogg (Ryan), Jacyln and Rachel Hugo, Shelly Beshears (Eric), Alex, Ian, Phoebe and Cameron Schoeck, Madeline and Julia Walker, Quinn Levy (Nick), Spencer and Cooper Cowley, Vivian Romanek, Hanako, Sora, and Taiyo Walker; Great-grandpa to Mason and Emerson Beshears and Lucy Hugo. Joseph was preceded in death by his devoted parents Joseph and Elizabeth Wanko (nee Petrovic), and his Godmother Marie Helen Bliss (nee Petrovic).

Joseph grew up in the Saint Louis area before attending college. While in college his National Guard Unit was activated, and he served dutifully and honorably in the United States Air Force. Joe’s work experience included time with Hartog and Phillips Petroleum. After his retirement Joe went to work as a part- time funeral service assistant at the recommendation of his son David and he was a valued employee to various funeral homes for many years. A devout Catholic, Joe was a faithful and active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Josephville, Missouri.  He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and a member of the American Legion.  Joe was proud to serve as an Election Judge in St. Charles County. The most important things in Joe’s life were not “things”, rather they were Faith, Family and Friends. He will be missed by ever so many.

Masses in Joe’s honor are appreciated to St. Joseph Josephville or Sisters of the Most Precious Blood.