Corwyn Wenke

Corwyn Eugene Wenke, affectionately known by his grandkids as "Grandpa Noisy" and by his nephews as “Uncle Trouble,” passed away at his home in Topeka, Kansas on January 10, 2025, at the age of 70 years. Born on August 22, 1954, in Topeka, Kansas to John Arthur Wenke, Jr. and Ardith Elaine Bolton. Corwyn grew up in a close-knit Catholic family alongside his two younger sisters, Carolyn and Robin. He graduated from Hayden High School in 1972, then attended Washburn University for three years, studying mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and biology. Corwyn began his career as a Stock Clerk at the Falley’s White Lakes location in 1975. Through his hard work, dedication, and passion for the grocery business, he rose to the position of Information Manager for Falley’s / Food 4 Less, until he moved on in 2005 after 30 amazing years with the company. After leaving Falley’s, Corwyn continued his professional journey as a Sales Representative for Wells Blue Bunny, where he worked from 2005 until 2018, when he retired. One common thread throughout his career was ice cream; at Falley’s, he managed the ice cream division for 9 years, and at Blue Bunny, he called upon stores in his territory for their ice cream orders. Those who knew him well understood Corwyn’s love for ice cream and often referred to him as “the ice cream man” or “the Blue Bunny guy.” Outside of work, Corwyn’s hobbies reflected his vibrant and social nature; he spent his younger days participating in city league bowling, softball, and basketball, and then he became a city and county adult league referee/umpire for multiple sports. Later on, Corwyn purchased his pride and joy, a Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle (hence, “Grandpa Noisy”), and became an avid rider. Corwyn and his long-time sweetheart, Linda, traveled nearly everywhere via motorcycle, weather permitting, and truly enjoyed themselves on the open road. More recently, Corwyn and Linda enjoyed spending their evenings at Boulevard Billiards, sharing good food, stories, and laughter with their large group of friends. Corwyn enjoyed connecting with others by organizing regular social events and reunions for his classmates from Hayden High School. He loved cooking wonderful meals and baking delicious desserts while spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a big fan of NASCAR, Indy, and dirt track racing, and loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks. Corwyn was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Ardith (Bolton) Wenke, who passed in 2009. Corwyn is survived by his loving family: his father, John Wenke of Topeka, Kansas; his sweetheart Linda Smith of Topeka, Kansas; his son, Pat Wenke (Sara) and their children Cooper and John, of Lawrence, Kansas; his daughter, Jamie Wenke (Tim Bartlett) and their children Lucy and Frances, of Nashville, Tennessee; Linda’s daughter, Rachelle Jones and her children Isaac and Spencer, of Topeka, Kansas; his sister, Carolyn Spritzer of Topeka, Kansas and her son David Spritzer (Leesa) and their son Sean, of Sayreville, New Jersey; his sister, Robin Smith (Mark) and their children Matthew and Andrew, of Odenton, Maryland. Corwyn is also survived by numerous cousins on both the Wenke and Bolton sides of the family. The family will honor Corwyn’s memory with a visitation on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., and a funeral service on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. Both will be held at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka, KS 66614. Following the service, a private burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery. A celebration of life at Boulevard Billiards will be scheduled in the near future. Corwyn's funeral service will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page, you can follow this link. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063672125244 Corwyn will be deeply missed by all who knew him but will be fondly remembered for his warmth, humor, and enduring legacy of love and laughter. As many who knew him would say, “he was one of the good ones.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or Hayden Catholic High School, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Corwyn Wenke

August 22, 1954 - January 10, 2025