Carl Wankier quickly and quietly passed away August 26, 2016. The son of farmers, he was born August 28, 1929 in Levan, Utah to Joseph and Carrie Wankier. Carl spent his childhood working hard, playing baseball and absorbing everything he read.
Carl earned a B.S. in history from Utah State University and a M.A. from the University of Utah. Learning was something Carl loved and valued and spent 40 years teaching young minds. His greatest satisfaction was seeing children engage in learning and the spark of intellectual curiosity. His classroom influence left a lasting impact on generations.
While teaching at Emerson school he met a cute blonde second-grade teacher, Martha Stringham, who was the love of his life and with whom he would spend more than 50 years. Together Carl and Martha raised four children and served their family and neighbors without fail.
Carl loved the good earth and spent his retirement farming, caring for the Garden Park Ward grounds and teaching his grandchildren how to work and play hard. He never missed a grandchild's sporting event and he was always their greatest fan. He loved painting watercolors, being outdoors, farming and reminiscing with his brothers.
He was a committed member of the LDS faith and lived his religion simply by helping all he knew, whether through numerous church callings or by simple acts of kindness. He was unfailingly honest and his word was his bond. He had the uncanny ability to see someone for who they really were and truly believed that all men are created equal. He and Martha served two LDS missions together, in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
Carl is survived by his wife Martha, his children Robert (LeAnn), Carrie Gaykowski (Rick), Ralph (Sara), Mark (Nikki), brother Francis, brother-in-law Henry Stringham (Mae), 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Sept. 2 at 11 AM at Garden Park Chapel (1150 E Yale Ave) with a viewing from 9:45-10:45 and a viewing on Sept. 1 from 6-8 PM at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E 1300 S).
Many thanks to Silverado Memory Care for their loving attention during Carl's last few days and to Silipa Mahe for her cheerful care.
