Medard (Jerry) Wankowski passed away quietly in his home and in the presence of his family on the morning of March 4th. While gone from us too soon, we are thankful he is now at peace and once again joined with his beloved wife and son.
Jerry was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 7, 1933 to Nick and Anna Wankowski and was one of eight children. He often talked about his days as a youth visiting the family farm, playing sports at his high-school, and just the normal family things that went on at home. While working at an electronics shop in Milwaukee he picked up both the nickname Jerry, which he was known by for the rest of his life, and his passion for all things electronic. He left Milwaukee in 1953 to join the Army and was based at Ft. Lewis, Washington. It was during his time in the service that he met the one and only love of his life, Ellen Sims, at a USO dance. They were married on June 19, 1954 and after being discharged from the service, they settled on living in Washington. In 1955, they had their first child, a daughter Wendy, followed by their son Steven, in 1960.
Jerry began to pursue his career in electronics, starting to work for an appliance and electronics sales and service company in Seattle. In the 1960’s Jerry and Ellen together opened their own TV and stereo sales and repair shop in Burien. After closing the business, he completed his career working for a large electronics firm’s service center in Kent.
Over the years, Jerry developed another passion. To him, there was nothing better in this world than to be in the outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, hike, camp (no matter the weather!) and just sit around the campfire. In fact, at night you could most often find Jerry sitting out at the camp fire, long after most others had gone to bed, a cup of coffee in his hands, listening to the sounds of the night, and staring up at the stars. He translated some of that love of the outdoors into his work with the Boy Scouts of America. He held several positions as leader with his son’s troop including Scout Master. He guided several of his scouts as the achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, including his son Steve. He also became a member of the Order of the Arrow along with his son.
For the last 15 years, Jerry has made his home in Shelton and Lacey, leaving the Seattle traffic (which he hated) far behind. Jerry and Ellen enjoyed driving their motor home around the country, visiting family and friends. Jerry loved to read, and particularly enjoyed reading books about historical events and the Civil War. While they traveled in the east and south, Jerry made certain to stop at the various battlefields – a highlight of any trip for him. But his favorite trip was to Alaska fishing with his son Steven. He always had wanted to return there.
Jerry dearly loved his family, and enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He loved the family traditions, holidays and vacations. He pampered and doted on his two little puppies, shih tzu’s Misty and Lexie. He loved to spend time teaching his grandsons how to shoot, chop wood, build fires and fish. The loss of his son Steven in 1999 was devastating to him. He never recovered from that loss, nor the loss of his wife Ellen in 2008.
Jerry’s passing was just as he lived his life. He was strong, loyal, and brave to the last. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He will remain forever in our hearts.
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