Obituary of Loren Wenke

Loren E. Wenke Olean- Loren E. Wenke of 1218 W. Sullivan Street, died suddenly Tuesday (November 20, 2012) at his home. Born January 30, 1921 in Olean, he was the son of Peter and Mary Nolder Wenke. On September 6, 1947 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean he married Marian V. "Chub" Hughes who predeceased him August 9, 2008. Mr. Wenke was a veteran of WWII having served with the US Army in the Pacific Theatre from 1942-1945. He was first employed as a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad and then for VanderHorst Corp. in Olean as an inspector, sales representative and sales coordinator. He later worked for Hysol Co. where he manged the printing shop until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Wenke was a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean. He had many interests and hobbies including hunting, fishing, football, baseball, basketball, photography and using the computer. He was knowledgeable about many different varieties of mushrooms and was a member of the North American Mycological Association . He was also an avid golfer and was a member of the Geritol League. He enjoyed his many canoeing and camping trips into the Canadian Bush. He liked both listening to and singing barbershop songs along with his brothers. Most of all he loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family gatherings, especially the yearly Wenke family reunion. He also had an unbreakable bond of affection for his dog "Pip". Surviving are three sons Peter (Mary) Wenke of Olean, Michael Wenke of Allegany and Gary (Denise) Wenke of Olean; one daughter Denise (Kenneth) Morgan of Anacortes, WA; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by five brothers Paul Wenke, John Wenke, Robert Wenke, William Wenke, Steven Wenke and one sister Patricia Regin. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean on Friday from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday (November 24, 2012) beginning with a prayer service at 9:30am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Mary of the Angels Church. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. The family gratefully declines flowers. Memorials if desired may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY 2805 Wehrle Drive, Ste 6, Williamsville, NY 14221 or to St. Mary of the Angels Church 202 South Union Street, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.