William Wenk ’50

Williams WenkWilliam Bible Wenk, 83, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, in Springfield.

Born in Springfield, MA, loving son of the late William J. and Helen (Bible) Wenk, he was a lifetime resident of the Springfield area. William graduated from Springfield Technical High School 1948, Williston Academy 1950, University of Connecticut 1952.

Upon graduation he joined his father William Joseph Wenk, at Wenks Florist in Springfield, MA. He attended the Naval School of Mine Warfare in York Town, Virginia, where he studied underwater mine ordinances, served aboard the aircraft carrier Essex during the Korean Campaign and returned home to manage and later own Wenks Florist.

Bill served as President of the Massachusetts Horticulturist Society and also as Commander within the U.S. Power and Sail Squadron. Also, Bill was an authority on the Civil War, a research volunteer at the Springfield Armory and published the Armory photograph of Organ of Musket Arms made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This photograph is proudly used on the Springfield Armory awards and gifts. He collected a large Civil War library, enjoyed collecting antique firearms, served as Director to of the Connecticut Gun Guild and was a popular area public speaker. Bill enjoyed spending the seasons in East Brookfield, MA and participating in Civil War ceremonies.

Bill is survived by three loving sons, Peter, Alan and his wife, Christine, and Steven; grandson, Joshua Steven Wenk-Roper, as well as an adoring sister, Maureen Wenk-Hanigan and husband, Thomas Hanigan and nieces Marie Hanigan-Gorbsky, Maurelia Edwards and Marietta Levy.

One thought on “William Wenk ’50”

  1. Nice guy, from the same hometown.
    It looks like he had a nice life, career and family.
    Best wishes to his family.

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