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Marion Wankier
1919~2016
Marion Wankier, age 96, passed away May 14, 2016 in Levan, Utah.
He was born September 3, 1919 to Joseph and Carrie Anderson Wankier. He married Fern Taylor July 1, 1946 in the Manti Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dad was a hard worker. He had big hands, but a bigger heart. He believed a man's word was his bond and a handshake was a binding contract.
Dad has always loved sports. He was a fierce competitor; you always play to win and no matter how old or young, you play the game by the rules.
When Dad was 18 he was invited to try out for the Cincinnati Reds farm team up in Ogden. He was offered a contract to play for the Ogden Reds, but December 7, 1941 brought an end to the opportunity when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. He was drafted into the Army and was assigned to an aircraft bomber division. The last year of his time in the Army, he played first base on the Army baseball team. While playing there, a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies saw him and that led to an invitation to try out for the Phillies. He didn't get the chance to play for the Phillies; instead he came home, married Mom and played for 7-8 years in the Utah Industrial League as a pitcher for the Provo Timps. One edition of The Daily Herald newspaper in 1952 summarized Dad both on and off the field. "In victory or defeat, Wankier always turned in a good game."
He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Wes) Case of Ashton, Idaho. Joe (Leighann) Wankier and Ann (Richard) Stowell both of Levan, two brothers, Carl (Martha) Wankier of Salt Lake City and Francis Wankier of Levan, 12 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fern, parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am Thursday May 19, 2016 in the Levan LDS Chapel. Family and friends may call Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm at the Anderson Funeral Home, 94 West 300 North Nephi, UT and one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Levan Town Cemetery.
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