Junior Franklin Wanek, 86 of Russell, Kansas died Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.

Junior was born December 1, 1925 in the Wilson-Dorrance area, the son of Joseph and Cora (Root) Wanek.  He grew up in the Wilson-Dorrance area and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1944.

Junior served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Junior was united in marriage to Vera Mae Prediger on September 13, 1947 in Dorrance, Kansas.  This union was blessed with a daughter, Linda.  They made their home in Russell.  Vera preceded him in death on March 16, 2010.

Junior was a Bridge Foreman for the County of Russell’s Highway Department for many years.  He also was active in farming.

Junior was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.  He also belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and the Russell American Legion Post #99.  Junior loved to fish.  He would supply the annual VFW Fish Fry with catfish and many family and friends also enjoyed receiving his fish.

Surviving family include his daughter, Linda Wanek and husband Denis Bauke of  San Franciso, California; sister, Betty Lou Mog of Wilson, Kansas; and two grandchildren, Molli Bauke and Zachary Bauke.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Raymond Wanek and sister Laverne Libal.

Celebration of Junior’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, March 23, 2012, at St. John Lutheran Church of  Russell.  Burial will follow at the Dorrance City Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.