G. Patrick Wanker was born August 16, 1939, to Gernald Mertis and Pauline Gladys (Close) Wanker. He passed away on September 2, 2022, at the Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital at the age of 83 years.
Patrick attended the WaKeeney Grade School and graduated from the Trego Community High School.
He attended the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was a member of ATA, KTA, NRA, and Hays Sportsman Club. He married Charlotte R. Schneider on October 19, 1967, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Upon graduation, Patrick worked for a seismograph company from Texas. After working for several years, he decided he would open a grocery store. It was opened on June 26, 1961. It later became known as Pat’s Grocery and Sporting Goods, selling beer, ice, fishing, and hunting supplies and guns. The store was probably the first “convenience store” in Kansas. He sold the store in 1981.
In 1984, Pat, and two partners began Wes-Kan Towers, LLC. which constructed and erected two-way radio communication towers. When cell phones were introduced, the towers were also used to house cell phone equipment which provided coverage for a large area. The company was sold in 2000.
Being interested in the oil industry, Pat and a partner started Nor-West Kansas Oil, LLC in 1985. They began leasing ground, drilling oil wells, and operating them in Northwest Kansas. When Pat’s health began to fail, it was decided to sell the company, which was sold in July 2022.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife (Charlotte) of the home and one sister, Carely (James) Yaeger of Branson West, MO. He also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Those preceding him in death are his parents, Gernald and Pauline Wanker; his brother, David A. Wanker, his grandparents Patrick and Gladys Close, Frank and Mary Wanker, and a great nephew Tyler Lotz.
Pat enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting trap competitively, attending NASCAR races and NFL football. Pat will be greatly missed by his family, business associates, and friends.
Services will be on September 6, 2022, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be on September 5, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Schmitt Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Prairie Faith Shared Ministry Nursing Program, Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, or Hays, Kansas Sportsman Club.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com