Don F. Wienke, 82, of rural Algoma, founder and owner of Wienke’s Market entered God’s eternal kingdom at home surrounded by his family on Oct. 1, 2021. He was born October 19, 1938, in LaCrosse, WI, to Frederick and Ruth (Toepel) Wienke.
In the late 1950’s, Don moved to Algoma with his parents and helped establish the first Piggly Wiggly Store in Kewaunee County. He married Beverly Jane Nelson on October 13, 1962, at Forest Lutheran Church in Carnot, WI and they had four children.
In the early 1970’s, Don and his wife established Wienke’s Market. Don’s untiring hard work ethic proved to make his business successful with the help of all his loyal employees through the years. Don was a devoted husband for almost 59 years, caring for his wife until the end.
Survivors include his wife Jane; four children, Hans and Kaye Wienke, Iron Mountain, MI; Sigrid and David Slaby, Algoma; Tollef and Sheila Wienke, Forestville; and Marit and Jim Virgin, Sturgeon Bay; grandchildren, Nelson (Lisa), Ian, and Aidan Wienke; Sam Slaby (Lindsey Brehmer), Nate (Lyanne) Slaby; Ella, Sanya, Paula, Shambo, Tre, Zone, Daniel, Kemal, Maria, and Jhonatan Wienke; Wolfgang, Greta and Sven Virgin; one sister, Joanne and Kenneth Cocking, Prophetstown, IL; one brother, Jon and Gail Wienke, Sturgeon Bay; in-laws, Theresa Nelson, Ripon; Roger and Mary Nelson, Algoma; Lyle and Monica Nelson, Sturgeon Bay; Alfred “Fritz”and Joyce Nelson, College Station, TX; further survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Eric Nelson, and infant nephew Carl Nelson.
A celebration of life will be held at Wienke’s Market (292 County S, Algoma) on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Special thanks to Unity Hospice for their wonderful care, Bob Steiner for his spiritual guidance, and special friends of the family, Hope Impullitti and Janel Kettering.
A passage his granddaughter Greta said on Wednesday before his death: “Surely goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever”. Psalm 23:26.
