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Jerrold Wanek Obituary
Des Moines
Jerrold (Jerry) Alan Wanek, 53, of Des Moines, died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack while vacationing with his wife on the Caribbean Island of St. Barthelemy on January 25, 2012.
Jerry was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Gene and Twila Wanek on July 10, 1958 during a summer thunderstorm. The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1959. Jerry graduated from East High School in 1976. He was active in debate and chess and his chess team won the state championship. He went on to attend the University of Iowa, and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity - Mu Deuteron Chapter serving as Chapter President from 1979 to 1980. He graduated with a degree in Economics. Jerry went on to Drake Law School, graduating in 1983. He then joined the law firm of Garten, Garten & Landis as an associate, becoming a partner shortly thereafter.
After graduating from law school he met his future wife, Carolyn Moore. They were married on New Year's Eve in 1985 in Evanston, Illinois. They went on to have three children: Joseph Jerrold Alan, Christopher (Topher) Robert Alan, and Sophia (Sophie) Margaret Berkley. Jerry and Carolyn were happily married for 26 years.
Jerry was a prominent and well-known bankruptcy attorney at Garten & Wanek Law Firm from 1983 until his death. He was involved in organizations such as Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, the East High Alumni Association, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, serving as president of all. He served as Archon President from 2002 - 2004 for Phi Gamma Delta.
Jerry enjoyed the finer things in life such as traveling with his wife and children, eating great food, and drinking fine wines. He loved being surrounded by his family and friends, especially during the summer months out by their pool.
Jerry will be unbelievably missed by his loving wife, children and extended loved ones who will forever cherish the memory of his extreme generosity and sarcastic sense of humor.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; children, Joseph (Joey Patino), Topher and Sophie; parents, Gene and Twila Wanek; brother, John Wanek (Scott Harnisch); sister, Judy (Doug) Gulling; and his many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 at Iles Funeral Homes - Dunn's Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue, Des Moines. Jerry and his family are members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where he was a charter member.
Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, East High School Alumni Association or Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerrold Wanek
February 6, 2012
Carolyn and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Jerry for a very short time but did appreciate his humor and advice.
Teri Dean
Roberta & Eric Dolbeare
February 3, 2012
Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare. I'd like to offer my sympathy to all of the Wanek family. I was in school (and cheerleading) with Judy and my older brother Brad was in school with John. Our prayers are with you.
Lynne & Rich Updegraff
February 3, 2012
Carolyn and Family
We are sorry your loss and know that God in heaven will be welcoming such a fine man as Jerry. May the peace of God and Jerry's love look down upon you and comfort you.
Lynne & Richard Updegraff
Doug Zoller
February 3, 2012
Carolyn and family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Doug & Cheryl
McClain's
Charles McClain
February 3, 2012
Carolyn and family, Twila & Gene we are so sorry for your loss and want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time.
The McClain Family. Chuck & Mary, Cathy, Buzz, Russ, Carol & Cristy
Rick Fuller
February 3, 2012
Rick Fuller The thing I always remember about Jerry as we were growing up, is he was always smiling. He used to give my dad, a bad time(which they both had a good time with, it was usually about the hawkeyes. My dad was a die-hard hawk until his death, as well as a East High Scarlet. I'm sure Jerry , gave my dad a bad time just to get my dad going, at times they had a friendly wager on games. My dad thought the world of Jerry. This world lost a great guy, as well as East High community, that both of his parents worked at , and were active in school functions. My prayers go out to his family, in this time of pain, and sorrow. God Bless you!
Stormy Marshall
February 2, 2012
Hey Carolyn and family, We are so sorry we won't be with you this weekend, (because of weather). We will be lighting a candle in memory of Jerry, when the service begins. I'm just so blessed and thank God that he gave us one last special Thanksgiving together. I see your smile and hear your laughter. Your up in Heaven with my brother now. Our hearts are heavy and hurting, but we have the peace knowing we will see you again, and it will be forever. We Love You! Cousins Roger & Stormy
February 2, 2012
Dear Carolyn, Sophie, Topher, and Joe,
My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. I love your family dearly and I hope his memories will be comforting to you. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do.
With deepest sympathy, WEndy Swanson
Susan Rahe
February 2, 2012
Carolyn and family: My heart is heavy and aches for you all. I am with you in spirit and send you my love. Peace be with you, Cousin Susan
Sue Clark
February 1, 2012
To Jerry's family,
I am a client that truly adored this man. He helped pull me up after a 34 year marriage and divorce. He helped me build my self esteem in ways that can not be explained . He was my legal angel and a true friend. I will miss him so much, as he was like a brother to me, I could call for logical guidance. He was tooo young to be taken from this earth, but he did impact so many people and he will dance with the angels in heaven because of his love for all and his incredible integrity. love and prayers Sue Clark Marshalltown,Iowa
Mark Harris
February 1, 2012
Carolyn and family,
We are shocked and saddened of Jerry's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family. Mark, Kelly and Taylor Harris
Suzanne Schulte
February 1, 2012
Carolyn and kids, we can't even express how sorry we are to here about Jerry's passing. We know how much he will be missed! Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all!! God bless! Paul and Suzanne Schulte and kids.
Steve Treptow
February 1, 2012
Carolyn, Joseph, Topher & Sophie
We were all so saddened when we heard. If there is anything we can do in the days and weeks to come please let us know.
Rachel, Abby, Christy, Steve
david walters
February 1, 2012
hey carolyn i just wanted to say how sorry i am to here jerry has passed on i had the pleasure of knowing him for four years and he was a great man we spent alot of hours together we will miss him if there is anything i can ever do for the family let me know may the lord be with you and your family always david and jody walters
Julie Guhl
February 1, 2012
Carolyn & family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Jerry's passing. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
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