Richard Dean "Dick" Wank

Dick, age 84, died Thursday afternoon, February 7, 2019 at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence, Battle Creek, MI with his loving family at his side. Dick, the son of William A. and Alta L. (Kline) Wank, was born in Leroy Township, Calhoun County, MI on June 8, 1934; was a lifetime area resident and a 1953 graduate of Athens High School. He retired in 1989 after 32 years of faithful service as a Warehouseman for Post Cereals of Battle Creek. Dick was a member of the Post 25 Year Club and had been a 4 H Leader. His Faith and Church were a big part of his life and he was a builder and financier of The New Hope Covenant Church of Richland. He also pitched for the Church softball team in his younger years. Dick was an avid bee keeper, known as the "Bee Man," and loved to garden especially raising gladiolus' of which he was a member of the Gladiolus Society. He enjoyed occasional fly-in fishing trips to Canada. He and Joyce loved camping in their RV and owned a lot for many years at Sandy Pines Resort, Dorr, MI. Dick was united in marriage to the former Joyce Marie Blanchard in Richland on June 29, 1957. Surviving is his wife of 61+ years, Joyce; two daughters, LaRaine (Steve) Weiss of Billings, MT and Starla Joy (Jon) Scott of Richland; three sons, Darcy (Cheryl) Wank of Richland, Daryl Wank and Curtis (Missy) Wank, both of Augusta; nine precious grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a sister, Erma Akers of Battle Creek; two brothers, Willard Wank and Melvin (Sue) Wank, both of Battle Creek and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary and Gladys and by six brothers, Warren Carl, John, Ray, Art and Jim. The Funeral Service to celebrate Dick's life will be held on Monday, February 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the New Hope Covenant Church, 9300 East D Avenue (M-89), Richland, MI 49083 with the Rev. Shan Martin, officiating. Dick's family will greet friends on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until service time in the Church. Interment will follow in Day Cemetery, Ross Township. Family and friends will return to the Church immediately following the committal service to continue Dick's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick's honor may be directed to the Church (see address above) or the Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence, 5470 Glenn Cross Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Dick's family. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com