Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Happy 100th Herb Wienke

by jmaloni
Thu, Mar 7th 2013 04:00 pm

Wheatfield resident Herb Wienke will turn 100 years old on March 8.

He has been blessed with exceptionally good health, takes no medication and still has a sharp mind, which the staff and residents at Sterling House, the Nash Road assisted living facility where Wienke has lived for the past 12 years, will confirm.

At Sterling House, Wienke delivers newspapers to fellow residents, participates in morning ministry, church services, Bible study and any entertainment offered at the residence. He enjoys watching football games and having visits from family and friends.

His family is planning an open house birthday celebration on Saturday, May 25, when he will be joined by out-of-state family members from California, Wisconsin, Virginia, Missouri and Ohio.

"God has truly blessed Herb throughout his life, and Herb has been a blessing to his family and many others whose lives he has touched," said his daughter Carolyn Chapin.

The oldest of eight brothers and sisters, Wienke contributed to the family income as a young teenager, working at his Uncle Gus' farm, then at Jones' Lumber Yard in North Tonawanda. He then worked at Wendt's Dairy in the ice cream division before starting at Carborundum's bonded division on Buffalo Avenue in Niagara Falls in 1935. He retired with 41 years of service at the age of 65 in 1976.

After retirement, he spent long hours refinishing wood furniture using his meticulous sanding, staining and varnishing skills. He still receives compliments from people who enjoyed his work.

Wienke married Eleanor DuBois in 1938. After 60 years together, she died in 1998. They had five children: Thomas Wienke of Lancaster, Calif.; Carolyn Chapin of North Tonawanda, Harris Wienke of Hamburg, Janelle Peters of Marinette, Wis.; and Albert Wienke of Lockport. There are also 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Wienke and his wife were very active members of the Wheatfield Seniors in the 1990s.

A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church in Bergholz, Wienke has served as treasurer, elder, trustee and planning board member, and participated for many years in Sunday school.

He also has been active in the community. He joined the Bergholz Volunteer Fire Co. in 1943 and is its oldest member. He served as the fire company's treasurer for 15 years.

Hometown News

View All News