Ernest August Wanke

It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Dad on October 3, 2025 at Fairview, Alberta. 

Dad was born November 6, 1942, amongst the chaos of World War II, the eldest surviving infant to Andreas and Frida Wanke (Huebner) in Chernigov, Russia. 

As an infant and young child, Dad moved around with his family because of the war, moving to Poland, where just one year after his birth, he welcomed his baby brother Ervin; in 1944 they moved onto Germany.  Unfortunately, Andreas passed in 1945 in Tillet, Belgium.  1946 Dad welcomed his baby sister, Erika, and he became the head of the family at a very tender age. 

In 1951 the family of 4 immigrated to Canada aboard the Beaver Bray, joining his Grandparents, August and Emily Huebner and settling in Hay Lakes, Alberta.  In 1953 the family moved again onto a farm near New Sarepta, when his mother re-married to Fred Gahr. Dad welcomed 4 more siblings over the next few years (Edith, Diane, Eleanor & Harold).  At the age of 15 Dad left the farm in pursuit of employment on the oil rigs.1961 brought Dad to Manitoba and Ontario, where he lost his left index finger and ¼ of his ring finger in a steel press, forcing him to relearn how to write right-handed. He pursued a trade in Welding and received his B-Pressure ticket around this time. 

1966 Dad met mom (Marion Hutcheon Kerr) and in January 1967, welcomed his first child, Jacqueline.  Dad and mom married September 22, 1967 and in October of 1967, welcomed his second child and namesake, Tony (Ernest Anthony). We always joked that we were the Centennial Project.  After the marriage, Dad adopted Mom’s 3 children (Bob, Heather & Jim) from her previous marriage, making us a family of 7. 

1981 Dad moved us from Vancouver to Silver Valley because he wanted to farm, but he also continued to weld.  1984, the farm was sold, and we moved into Grande Prairie in August. On October 29, Dad was severely injured in an oilfield accident and ended up losing his right leg and damaging his left one beyond proper functionality, forcing him to become wheelchair bound at the age of 42. 

From 1986 until 1996, Dad and Mom moved around, Langley, Prince George, Grande Prairie and then Rycroft. His later years were spent in Rycroft, Grande Prairie and finally Fairview. 

Dad enjoyed hunting and tinkering in his garage when he was still able to, he also enjoyed going to the casino. He did not like to be in the home with, as he put it, all the old people.  His body failed him for years, but he remained young at heart. 

Dad is predeceased by his wife of 50 years Marion, Grand-daughter, Katryna and daughter, Heather.  He will be sadly missed by children Bob, Jim (Doris), Jackie (Ralph Knells), Tony (Ina). Grandchildren: Trevor Wintringham (Vanessa), Douglas (Jackie), Kandace Dunning (Jesse), Nicholas (Lisa), Brandon (Bri), Ashly (Bobbi), Dustin (Sherida), Jorden (Amber), Sarah, Kayla (Justin), Tyler (Reata).  Great-grandchildren: Mason, Irelynn, Joshua, Aidan, Riley, Gage, Vaughn, Shanley, Zoey, Owen, Brooklynn, Madison, Hunter, Hanna, Alexis, Shae. His sisters:  Erika, Edith, Diane, Eleanor and brothers Ervin and Harold.  Many nieces and nephews. 

At Dad’s request, there will be no services or celebration of life.  The family will spread his ashes at his happy place at a later date. 

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home (Kristi Heck)
Fairview, AB 780-835-3306

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