Jerome "Jerry" J. Wankum

Jerome “Jerry” Wankum, 82, of Topeka passed away March 11, 2022.   He was born at Bakersfield, CA, the son of Joseph Henry and Ludvina  Wankum.   Jerry grew up at Wasco, California near Bakersfield.  He graduated from high school there and then joined the Army.   He returned to his home and married Joan Bechtel.   In 1972, he moved to Topeka.   Jerry later married Virginia Hazen on July 18, 1980 in Topeka.   They lived at Duncanville and DeSoto, Texas for 15 years where Jerry worked at the Lou McKernon car dealership.  They returned to Topeka and stayed here until moving to Maricopa, Arizona where they lived from 2015 until returning to Topeka this past fall.

Jerry loved to work in his yard, Mexican food, Elvis Presley music, woodworking, and fishing.  The past several years he has enjoyed watching news channels and the Weather Channel on TV.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Wankum; children, Eric (Cheryl) Wankum, of Merriam, Kansas, Bruce (Marie) Wankum of Overland Park and Lisa Cecil of Olathe, Kansas; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and eight siblings, Irene, Mary, Chris, Collett, Paula, Viv, Greg and Dennis.

He was preceded in death by his son, Drew Wankum in 2011.

Cremation is planned.  Memorial contributions may be made Phoenix Hospice and Home Care.  To read his full obituary or leave Virginia a message, please visit www.davidsonfuneral.com.