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Paul P. Wenke
loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather
OLEAN - Paul P. Wenke, formerly of Front Street, Olean, and most recently residing at Absolut of Allegany, passed away Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2010) at Olean General Hospital.
Born June 29, 1916, in Olean, he was a son of the late Peter P. and Mary Nolder Wenke. On June 14, 1941, in St. John's Church, he married the former Geraldine A. Corson, who passed away Aug. 25, 2003.
Paul attended St. Mary's School and graduated from Olean High School in 1934.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army as a technician 5 grade in the 125th Battalion of Engineers, 14th Armored Division in Central Europe, Rhineland. Five of the six Wenke brothers served on active duty during World War II.
Paul was employed at Socony Vacuum for many years and retired from the city of Olean Water Department on Jan. 2, 1980.
He was a member of St. John's Church and Olean Exchange Club and was a former barbershopper. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseshoes, bowling, golfing and playing cards. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are two daughters, Mary Ann (Chuck) Magnuson and Peg (Steve) Bergstrom, both of Olean; two sons, Paul R. (Cindy) Wenke and David J. (Kitty) Wenke, both of Olean; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a brother, Loren Wenke of Olean; a sister-in-law, Peg O'Meara Wenke of Anacortes, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Patricia Regin; and four brothers, Robert, John, William and Steve Wenke.
The family will receive friends today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Funeral services will be held Friday (Dec. 31, 2010) beginning with a prayer service at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. John's Church. Father Edward Sheedy, pastor, will be celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.
Full military honors will be accorded by members of the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team.
A Scripture wake service will be held this evening at 8:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
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