Beverly Jane Wienke, 82, of rural Algoma, founder and owner of Wienke’s Market, peacefully gained eternal life on February 5, 2023. She was born October 11, 1940, in Algoma WI, to Elden and Edith (Stuebs) Nelson.
Jane graduated from Algoma High School in 1958 and attended UW-Oshkosh, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1962. Jane was an inaugural faculty member of Southern Door High School that same year. She married Don Frederic Wienke on October 13, 1962 at Forest Lutheran Church in Carnot, WI and they had four children.
In the mid 1960’s, Jane went on to help Don operate the Piggly Wiggly Store in Algoma. In the early 1970’s, Jane and Don established the Wienke’s Market and through her untiring work ethic proved to make the business successful with the help of all her loyal employees through the years. She also drove school bus for Southern Door High School for many years.
Jane was very active throughout her life. She would always be seen weeding, cultivating, and harvesting. Her love of sports was evident in her attendance at her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ events. She also loved golfing and bowling.
Survivors include her 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; great-grandson Declan Slaby, sister- in-law Theresa Nelson, Ripon; brothers, Roger and Mary Nelson, Algoma; Lyle and Monica Nelson, Sturgeon Bay; Alfred “Fritz”and Joyce Nelson, College Station, TX; in-laws, Kenneth Cocking, Prophetstown, IL; Jon and Gail Wienke, Sturgeon Bay, WI; Aunt Fama (Curt) Baxstrom, Sequim, WA; she is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jane was preceded in death by her husband, parents, in-laws Fred and Ruth Wienke, brother Eric Nelson, sister-in-law Joanne Cocking and infant nephew Carl Nelson.
A celebration of life will be held at Wienke’s Market (292 County S, Algoma) on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established in her name. Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Special thanks to Pam, Dusty, Nikki and staff at Helping Hearts Assisted Living for your loving care, Unity Hospice, Bob Steiner for his spiritual guidance, and special friends of the family, Hope Impullitti and Janel Kettering.
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art.
