Jeanie Jo Wanke

Jeanie Jo Wanke was born on September 19, 1955 in Gillette, Wyoming to Paul and Patty McGee, the apple of their eye and resided in Gillette, WY her entire life, a town she was was very proud to call home. Jeanie graduated from CCHS in 1974 and worked mainly retail jobs until she became a grandma and then began to babysit them. Jeanie gave birth to an adorable little boy named Billy in 1974 and then 4 years later in 1978, a beautiful little girl named Lisa. Jeanie always worked hard whether it was being a homemaker or whether it was working an 8-5 job, she wanted her children to have the best of the best. People would say that she was put on this earth to be a mother and a grandmother and she was wonderful at those life roles. She married the love of her life, George Wanke, in January of 2000. Together they created a loving home and joined their two families which included 4 children and 9 grand-children. Her very first thought when she woke up was her children and grand-children, her family was on her mind every second of the day. Jeanie also had a very large extended family whom she always made time for no matter what, whether it was her 5th cousin or her Great- Aunt, she wanted to spend time with them. When Jeanie wasn't spending time with her family in Gillette, she was most likely on their boat at the lake in Pinehaven, WY or sitting on her deck at their beautiful lake house. She and George would sit out there for hours enjoying each others company, the peace and quiet and tranquility. Jeanie was on bowling leagues in her younger years and then she and George fell in love with darts and were on a dart league for many years together. Jeanie loved playing cards with friends and family but enjoyed going to Deadwood even more to try her luck which always seemed to be on her side. She was also very proud to be a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion. Anyone who knew her would say she was hilarious! But, they would also say how thoughtful she was and loving and kind and fun to be around and if she taught her children and grand-children anything, it was "how to love" which was the most important lesson they ever learned from her. She was also famous for her hand-written cards and letters she sent to so many people each year, she made sure nobody was ever forgotten. Jeanie may have only been on this earth for 57 years, but she made sure to love as much as her big heart could in that time. The Lord took her way too soon on July 6th after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She will be missed by so many and live on in so many of our hearts forever. People like Jeanie cannot easily be forgotten, she was a one-of-a-kind daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend. She is survived by her husband, George Wanke of Gillette, WY, her daughter, Lisa (Andrew) Grant of Gillette, WY, her son, Billy Vincent of Gillette, WY, her step-son, George (Lisa) Wanke of Gillette WY, her step-daughter, Lisa (J.) Curtis of Maricopa, AZ her brother, Rusty (Tina) McGee of Gillette, WY, her brother, Jack (Terri) McGee of Sundance, WY and her grandchildren, Colter Young, Kassidy Wanke, Alex and Paul Vincent, Jonathan and Kaylee Grant all of Gillette WY and Tyler and Aidyn Curtis of Maricopa, AZ, and two great-grandchildren, Evan and Riley Smock of Clark Summit, PA. as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Paul and Patty McGee, her twin infant siblings, Margie and Mickey McGee, and her grandson, Brendan Smock. A memorial has been established to benefit the family of Jeanie Wanke. Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home. 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via their website www.walkerfuneralgillette.com The family asks that you join them Saturday, August 10th at 5:00 PM at The Moose Lodge 2704 Hackathorn Lane, Gillette, Wyoming 82716