Our beloved family patriarch, husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, Farrell T Wankier, Jr., took his final journey home September 19th to be with his loved ones beyond the veil of this mortal life.
Farrell was born May 23, 1933 to Farrell and Thela Wankier of Levan, Utah.
In 1938, Dad brought home the families first Suffolk sheep, leading to a life-long devotion to the sheep business. His love and dedication to the sheep industry has led to countless leadership roles, including: serving on the Board of Directors of the California and Utah Wool Growers Association, President of the United Suffolk Sheep Association, member of the National Scrapie oversight committee, Director for the Utah Farm Bureau and Chairman of the American Farm Bureau sheep advisory committee. Because of his dedication Dad received countless distinguished awards, including: California Wool Growers "Master Shepherd of the Year," American Sheep Industry "Distinguished Producer," and Sheepman of the Year.
His relentless dedication of service permeated throughout everything he did, providing service as a missionary for the LDS Church for the past 15 years at the Salt Lake City Conference center, serving in the Army as a lieutenant in Fort Hood, TX, giving to Utah State Agricultural Educational programs and caring for and supporting his friends and family.
He married the love of his life, Deanna Wankier, July 30, 1966 and they were later sealed for all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. The two shared the past 48 years cultivating a successful business, raising 4 children and cherishing their 9 grandchildren. Their love of adventure led to travels, including: Africa, Peru, France, New Zealand, Honduras, Scotland and Alaska.
Farrell is survived by his wife Deanna; his four children, Jamie Wankier, Lara Jensen, Millie Muczko and Peter Wankier; 9 grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, Ryan, Landon, Kaela, Jacob, James, Reid and Harrison; 2 sisters, Norine Foote of Salt Lake City and Vicky Nelson of Milwaukee, as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thela and Farrell Wankier, Sr. The family wants to thank all of the kind and loving souls who served Dad at the Veterans Home and Veterans Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25th at 11:00am, at the LDS 20th Ward, 107 G Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, where friends may attend a public viewing honoring Farrell from 9:00 to 10:45am. Dedication of the grave will be at the Levan, Utah Cemetery Thursday at 3:00pm. Donations may be made in Farrell Wankier's name to the National Parkinson Foundation: ATTN Donor Services, 200 South East 1st Street, suite 800, Miami, FL., 33131. Condolences for the family welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
