William Henry “Bill” Wenke

William Henry “Bill” Wenke, 94, of Bonaparte, Iowa, passed away at 9:08 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2023, at his home.

Born on November 17, 1928, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of John and Clara (Schroeder) Wenke Sr. On May 25, 1963, he married Jean Peterson at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Burlington, Iowa. She preceded  him in death on September 1, 2019.

Survivors include his three children: Dana Mabe of Bonaparte, Iowa, Evan Wenke of Fairfield, Iowa, Mark (Laura) Wenke of Ottumwa, Iowa; four grandchildren: Heather Mabe, Natasha Wenke, John (Diana) Wenke and Connor (Kaeli) Davis; sister: Elizabeth O’Connor of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, granddaughter in infancy: Alyson Mabe; brothers: John Jr., Bernard, Henry, Ferd and Herman; sisters: Mary and Anna Louise.

Bill was a welder and electrician for Loudens in Fairfield, Iowa. He farmed and was a carpenter. He and his wife owned Waterfront Place Antiques. He was of Catholic Faith. He was a United States Army veteran and served during the Korean Conflict in 1950 to 1953. Bill was a member of Bonaparte American Legion Sargent-Osweiler Post #563 and a life member of Fairfield V.F.W. Bill enjoyed hunting arrowheads, doing for others, going to auctions, walking dogs and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Monday, April 24, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington, Iowa, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington, Iowa, with Pastor Sally Barrett officiating.

Burial will be held in Bonaparte Cemetery with full military rites by Sargent-Osweiler American Legion Post #563.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.