David Wanker was born March 7, 1944, in WaKeeney, KS, to Gernald Mertis and Pauline Gladys (Close) Wanker. He passed away January 14, 2021, at Fort Dodge Soldier's Home in Dodge City, KS. of Covid-19 at the age of 77.
David attended the WaKeeney Grade School and graduated from the Trego Community High School. He attended Fort Hays State University.
David married Claudia Kay Naasz on August 28, 1966. To this union, three daughters were born, Angela Daun, Heather Michelle, and Kimberly Anne. They later divorced. He was inducted into the United States Army in May 1967. He served as a Medical Specialist/Assistant in Vietnam. His primary duties were to rescue injured comrades and attending to their wounds on a Huey helicopter. He was honorably discharged May 1969. Upon his discharge, David and his family lived in Colorado where he was manager for F.W. Woolworth Stores in Lajunta, Colorado Springs and Denver. David moved to Gilroy, CA where he opened, owned, and managed Six Stars, Inc., which were variety stores in the Central Coast of California. After he sold the stores, he worked for a specia in California. When he retired, he moved back to WaKeeney to live in the home in which he grew up. He worked at Earle's Liquor Store until his health failed. Then unable to live alone, he moved to the Fort Dodge Soldier's home in Dodge City, KS. until his passing.
He leaves to mourn his passing three daughters, Angela (Wayne) Earle, of Anchorage, AK., Heather (Troy) Barney of WaKeeney, and Kimberly Lotz of Merced, CA; Eight grandchildren, Christopher Earle of Anchorage, Megan (Chris), Woynicz, of Aberdeen, NC., Dean Barney of Hays, KS., William Barney of Baltimore, MD., Jericho Barney of Topeka, KS., Theodore Jr., Lotz of Turlock, CA., and Madalyn Lotz and Hannah Lotz of Merced; brother Patrick (Charlotte) of WaKeeney; sister Carely (James) Yaeger of Branson West, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
Those preceding him in death are his parents, Gernald and Pauline Wanker; his grandparents Patrick and Gladys Close, and Frank and Mary Wanker; and infant grandson, Tyler Lotz.
David enjoyed the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, attending NASCAR races and spending time with his beloved dog, Sammi were his greatest pleasures.
David will be missed by his family and the old acquaintances he re-established when he moved back to WaKeeney together with the many new acquaintances he made.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 18, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.
Services are January 19, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Schmitt Funeral Home, with internment at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, WaKeeney, KS. with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be donated to the Fort Dodge Soldiers' Activity Fund or Humane Society. Donations to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St. WaKeeney, KS 67672.