John A. Wanke

John Albert Wanke, 85, of Missoula passed away with his family at his side on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at St. Patrick Hospital.  Service will be held at a later date.  Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.

John Albert Wanke, son of Peter and Louise (Krainak) Wanke, was born October 13, 1938 in Athens, Wisconsin.   He attended schools in the Athens area and graduated from Athens High School in 1956. John met the love of his life, Ellen Hahn, on a blind date and the couple was united in marriage on June 10, 1961 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

John worked as a conductor for the railroad for most of his career which inspired his desire to collect model trains.  He was a member of the Model Train Club in Missoula.  John was proud of his German heritage and enjoyed playing Sheepshead, a popular German card game.  He was a talented elk hunter and enjoyed the Montana wilderness.  John cherished the time he was able to spend with his friends and family.  Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed.  

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ellen Wanke; children, Lisa Wanke; Chris (Colette) Wanke; Jamie (Laurie) Wanke; Linda Megela; five grandchildren, Courtney, Kristen, Nathan, Garrett, and Brooke; siblings, Billy (Elaine) Wanke; Peter Wanke; Jim (Karen) Wanke; Mary (Art) Kirschgassner; Lucy (Fred) Laher; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Louise Wanke; siblings; Irvin (Celine) Wanke; Herbert (Kay) Wanke; Dave (Arlene) Wanke; Alice (Lenny) Salzman; and sister-in-law, Luanne Wanke.