Bob ‘so proud of his heritage’

By Jim Mynard
ROBERT Arthur Wanke died at Casey Hospital on Monday 22 August after a short illness.
He was 74.
Mr Wanke was the sixth of eight children born to Herman and Freida Wanke, formerly of ‘Hillcroft’, Hessels Road, Berwick.
He was the grandson of Immanuel and great grandson of the pioneer Ernst Wanke.
Ernst Wanke Road that runs from Harkaway Road, Berwick, to the Monash Freeway at Narre Warren carries the Wanke family name.
Mr Wanke was buried at the Harkaway cemetery after a service at the Salvation Army Chapel, Berwick, last Friday.
The historic Lutheran bell standing outside the cemetery tolled as the cortege arrived, according to custom for funerals at Harkaway.
The eulogy said: “Bob was born at the Berwick Bush Nursing Hospital on 30 December, 1930.
“He was educated at the Narre Warren State School and went to school on the milk truck that called each morning to collect milk from their farm.
“After the cans of milk were loaded Bob and his siblings would scramble on board and take a seat on the cans.
“The children would be unloaded at school, but would have to walk home.
“Bob acquired the nickname ‘Zip’ during his school days because he always wore a jumper with a zip.
“After gaining his merit certificate he left school to work on the farm with his father, older brother and uncle.
“He was a happygolucky lad with a great sense of humour.
“When milking machines were eventually installed there was great friendly rivalry between the Wankes with their Simplex machines and family friends, the Simpsons, who farmed at Ferntree Gully with their Royal Medal machines.
“Only a few years ago, amongst his treasures, Bob produced a poem that was written at that time.
“A snippet from his poem has been included in Bob’s memorial booklet.
“During his teens Bob joined the church group and there met his mate Bill Dalziel with whom he remained a lifelong friend.
“The old Lutheran bell had a special attraction to Bob and until his latter years he didn’t miss a New Year’s Eve tolling of the bell at Harkaway.
“After his grandmother’s death, ‘Hillcroft’ was sold and Bob, with Stan Exell, remained there for several years to share farm the property.
“He and Lorna Aurisch were married and they had two children, Norman in 1958 and Lea in 1962.
“Bob and Lorna bought a home at Springvale and when Norman joined the Springvale Scout Group, Bob was a keen helper, providing transport for the scouts where needed.
“He then worked for the Commonwealth Golf Club and became the club’s curator until he retired in his late fifties.
“He moved to Pakenham and made his home in the caravan park, proudly naming his cabin ‘Mein Haus,’ German for ‘my house’.
“His first grandchild, Luke, was born in 1989 and was a source of great pride for Bob as he would carry the ‘Wanke’ name into the next millennium.
“Three years later Bob was blessed with a beautiful granddaughter, Brianna whom he adored.
“Bob’s daughter Lea died in 2001 aged 39 after a serious illness.
“Norman, daughterinlaw Andrea and grandchildren Luke and Bree were the greater part of his life.
“There was always a block of chocolate for the children hidden somewhere in the caravan when they called.
“He loved a game of cards, mainly cribbage and 500.
“Bob Wanke was proud of his heritage, his family and the Demons.
“We will remember him for his friendly nature and happy disposition and for being a man who stood fiercely for what he believed in.”