Gary John “Buddy” Wanko, was born on July 5, 1952 in St. Louis, MO to John and Margaret (nee Bakersmith) Wanko and entered into rest on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the age of 72.
Dear brother of George (Samantha) Wanko, and the late Sharon (Jim) Gough. Loving uncle of Brad (Megan) Wanko, Jake (Meghan Wasson) Wanko, Debbie (Dan) Leitschuh, and Steven (Karin) Gough. Great-Uncle of Haley, Tommy, and Sam Gough, and Lucy, and Jack Leitschuh, Lenni, and Frannie Wanko. Dear Cousin and friend to all.
Memorials in his honor appreciated to DeGreef Hospice House.
To George and the entire Wanko family. We are deeply sorry about the passing of Gary. You are in our prayers.
David & Peggy Wilson.
To the entire Wanko family. We are deeply saddened about the passing of our extended family member, Gary. Gary had a sincere heart to help anyone in need. His warm personality was admired by many. We will miss his smile and our many conversations of the yesteryears. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Bill and Dianne Gaines
So Sad to hear this news .. Gary was a good man and a great friend. He was helping me on the restoration of my 1969 Chevrolet CST shortbed pickup . He was an excellent mechanic and a great inspiration on me getting my truck back on the road. He would also help me at work at the State of Mo. State hospital “Arsenal” on whatever i was trying to fix .. He was an excellent locksmith also . He will be missed by so many who he worked with. He loved his Beautiful green 1966 Chevy and going to the car shows to show it off . I only wish i could have been done with my truck to meet him at one of the car shows .. RIP MR. G LOVED YOU AND WILL MISS YOU!!!!
So sorry to hear about Gary’s passing I know he was an important part of your family he will be missed.
Gary was a very kind person. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He would help everyone. He will be missed. God Bless Gary. My prayers for his family.
Jayne Briscoe
So saddened to hear this news. Gary was always such a nice guy and would help with anything that I needed assistance with at work. I was sad that he retired without me knowing because I would have loved to have wished him well. I will really miss him. He was always so nice.
I worked with Gary for a few years he has always been so kind to me and whenever I needed his assistance with anything he would be there to help without hesitation and with a smile on his face, I will truly miss him.
I worked with Gary Wanko and knew him to be a man of few words. Although we didn’t have long conversations, Mr. Wanko was always professional and assisted me whenever I needed it. I will always remember Mr. Wanko. Condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.
Gary was a good man and someone I always enjoyed seeing at work. He will be greatly missed.
He was a fine man and a good friend. I will mess him.
To the entire Wanko family, we are deeply sorry about the passing of Gary. I had the pleasure with working with Gary since 2017. The maintenance department at North Campus will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Britne & Maintenance Dept. North Campus
To the entire Wanko Family. I am deeply sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I did not work with Gary often but the times we did interact it was a positive experience. Gary was always so helpful every time I needed him to come to the office to work on my file locks, so dependable and trustworthy. Glod bless you during your time of loss.
My condolences go out to Gary’s family. May God give you peace and comfort you need at this time sorrow. I work with Gary for many years, and we became family. Whenever I needed help, Gary was there. I going miss his hugs and his smiles and the horse playing that we did to get through the workday. Gary my friend, you will truly be missed.
My condolence to the Wanko family. I worked with Gary on a few projects and enjoyed my many conversations with him over the years. He could always make me laugh and was always there when needed. I’m deeply sadden by his passing but grateful to have known him. He was a blessing. May he RIP
My Condolences and prayers for Gary’s family and close friends. He will be truly missed. During my time working with Gary I found him to be extremely helpful and friendly. Rest in Peace.
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We worked together for many years, and he was always so kind and helpful to me. My deepest condolences to your family.
So sorry to hear this. Gary was always helpful and a welcome sight. Rest In Peace my friend.
So sad that Uncle Buddy passed away.
He was such a kind person.
I’ll miss seeing him at any family dinners at Karin & Steve’s house. He enjoyed sitting at the table after Thanksgiving Dinner talking to Jim & Steve. Keeping all the family in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
God Bless you Gary. Thank you for being that kind person with a kind heart.
It was a pleasure working with you in SPD six years. Thank you for always showing
up to our many get togethers celebrating birthdays, holiday’s… Most of all thank you for being a wonderful friend.