Wanek, Jerrold (Jerry) Alan 1958-2012

WANEK, MOORE, BERKLEY, PATINO, HARNISCH, GULLING

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 3/16/2021 at 11:15:26

Jerrold (Jerry) Alan Wanek
1958 - 2012
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. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register 01 Feb 2012.