William Wenker

William A. "Bill" Wenker, age 90 of Freeport, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church in Freeport. Parish prayers will be held at 4 p.m. followed by the Goldenaires Senior Citizens at 5 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

William Adam Wenker was born December 23, 1921 in Albany Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Bernard and Julianna (Hoeschen) Wenker. Bill farmed between Freeport and Albany on the family farm that was homesteaded by Bill's grandparents in 1873. He retired from farming in 2003.

He was a member and usher at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport and a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Peters Court 1553. Bill enjoyed bicycling on the Wobegon Trail, going to family functions, and playing cards, especially Smear and 500. He was very active at church helping setting up for many church activities.

Survivors include his brothers and sister, Clara Meyer of Albany, Al (Marge) Wenker of Albany, and Max (June) Wenker of Melrose; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Wenker; and sisters, Marie Dirkes and Della Ehlert.

Serving as casket bearers will be Donald Dirkes, Marvin Ehlert, Steve Meyer, M.J. Wenker, Allen Wenker, and John Wenker. Cross bearer will be Charles Wenker and scripture bearer will be Sister Julien Dirkes.