Jeffrey Ronald Wankum
February 15, 1965 ~ June 6, 2022
Jeffrey Ronald Wankum, 57, of Jefferson City, passed away Monday, June 6, 2022, at Capital Region Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born February 15, 1965, in Jefferson City, to Ronald George and Helen Marie (Schneider) Wankum.
He was a 1984 graduate of Jefferson City High School.
He was united in marriage on September 3, 1994, in Jefferson City, to Jessica Britt Hamacher, who resides at the home.
Jeff worked for over thirty years at Wastewater Collections, Jefferson City, and had been the System Manager since 2005.
Jeff was a devoted husband, dad, and son. He was willing to do whatever his family needed. He spent many years coaching his children’s sports teams and was very active in all school sporting events. He enjoyed watching movies with his family – a good Hallmark movie, sci-fi movies, and especially Rom-Coms (romantic comedies). He also enjoyed doing puzzles and watching funny videos with them.
Jeff was known by many for his incredible work ethic. If there was a job that needed to be done, he was there to take care of it. He was an active volunteer at Immaculate Conception Catholic School and Calvary Lutheran High School. Being a jack of all trades, Jeff enjoyed tinkering with many projects including his most recent, a Holiday Rambler RV.
He was a loyal fan of classic rock, particularly Van Halen (with Sammy Hagar). His love of music extended to playing guitar. He often played “smoke on the water” for his family. He was affectionately known as “chef Jeff” by his loved ones and made many food creations. He was also an avid NASCAR fan.
Survivors include his wife, Jessica, along with their son, Ethan Wankum, St. Louis, and two daughters, Paxten Wankum and Ainsley Wankum, both residing at the home; his parents, Ronald and Helen Wankum, Jefferson City; four sisters, Lisa (Donnie) Hurst, Jefferson City; Kim (Scott) McCutchen, Jefferson City; Lori (Jason) Weaver, Cincinnati, Ohio; Gina (Larry) Krummen, Jefferson City; in-laws, Don and Karen (Fain) Reynolds; many nieces and nephews; and several grand dogs.
A prayer service led by Deacon Kenny Wildhaber will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2022, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Visitation will immediately follow until 7:00 p.m.
In keeping with Jeff’s spirit to help others, he has generously donated his body to science for research and education.
Memorials are suggested to a family fund to benefit his children’s future needs. Checks made payable to Jessica Wankum can be mailed to Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, 3210 N. Ten Mile Drive, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
He was born February 15, 1965, in Jefferson City, to Ronald George and Helen Marie (Schneider) Wankum.
He was a 1984 graduate of Jefferson City High School.
He was united in marriage on September 3, 1994, in Jefferson City, to Jessica Britt Hamacher, who resides at the home.
Jeff worked for over thirty years at Wastewater Collections, Jefferson City, and had been the System Manager since 2005.
Jeff was a devoted husband, dad, and son. He was willing to do whatever his family needed. He spent many years coaching his children’s sports teams and was very active in all school sporting events. He enjoyed watching movies with his family – a good Hallmark movie, sci-fi movies, and especially Rom-Coms (romantic comedies). He also enjoyed doing puzzles and watching funny videos with them.
Jeff was known by many for his incredible work ethic. If there was a job that needed to be done, he was there to take care of it. He was an active volunteer at Immaculate Conception Catholic School and Calvary Lutheran High School. Being a jack of all trades, Jeff enjoyed tinkering with many projects including his most recent, a Holiday Rambler RV.
He was a loyal fan of classic rock, particularly Van Halen (with Sammy Hagar). His love of music extended to playing guitar. He often played “smoke on the water” for his family. He was affectionately known as “chef Jeff” by his loved ones and made many food creations. He was also an avid NASCAR fan.
Survivors include his wife, Jessica, along with their son, Ethan Wankum, St. Louis, and two daughters, Paxten Wankum and Ainsley Wankum, both residing at the home; his parents, Ronald and Helen Wankum, Jefferson City; four sisters, Lisa (Donnie) Hurst, Jefferson City; Kim (Scott) McCutchen, Jefferson City; Lori (Jason) Weaver, Cincinnati, Ohio; Gina (Larry) Krummen, Jefferson City; in-laws, Don and Karen (Fain) Reynolds; many nieces and nephews; and several grand dogs.
A prayer service led by Deacon Kenny Wildhaber will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2022, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Visitation will immediately follow until 7:00 p.m.
In keeping with Jeff’s spirit to help others, he has generously donated his body to science for research and education.
Memorials are suggested to a family fund to benefit his children’s future needs. Checks made payable to Jessica Wankum can be mailed to Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, 3210 N. Ten Mile Drive, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
JW you will be missed terribly my friend. Condolences to the family.
To all of Jeffrey’s Family You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I know with his recent diagnosis and now sudden passing you are still trying to process it all. Treasure all the happy memories you have of him. After reading his obituary, he has lived his life well being a great family man, and also supporting his community and church. I know he is reaping the rewards in Heaven for a life well lived. Our deepest sympathy to you all.ߒ•
I got my nickname “JT”, that has stuck to this day, because I worked with Jeff for 15 years at Collections, and it was just easier for both of us. I remember some fun, but long-night calls to Jamestown with “Jeffro” in the old flusher truck. He helped me immensely with my new position, even very recently. He was a huge asset to the City. I also remember well him helping coach Ethan and Brock during their time at IC. I will really miss him. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
JESSICA, ETHAN, PAXTEN & AINSLEY, Karen and Don, We are so sorry for your sudden loss and send our love, Bob, Cordelia, Carolyn, Patty Brown and fam
Ethan, I am so sorry for your immense loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Carole B.
Jessica, Ethan, Paxten, Ainsley, Ronald, Helen, Lisa, Kim, Lori, Gina and families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We were so so sorry to hear about Jeff. If you need anything please let us know! Ronnie and Helen we are here if you need us! My God give you comfort in your memories of Jeff. The Cook’s Rick and Karen and kids.
With caring thoughts. Very sorry I could not be here in person.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
I had the honor of working with Jeff for the last 19 years. He was fond of saying “you had to be there”, when referring to a moment of importance or amusement. We were extremely lucky that Jeff chose our line of work. His self-taught skills with computers and technology were amazing and we benefited greatly from it. He could have also been a diplomat. No one was better than sticking up for the employees without upsetting management. He was the City’s Employee of the Year in 2003 and never once let off the gas, striving for excellence and continuous improvement. In 2021 he was recognized by his peers statewide with a Golden Manhole Award. Always a dedicated and selfless public servant. The response to “you had to be there” I’d offer is: we were there. We are witness to your brilliance, your compassion and your friendship. We love you and miss you man. God Bless Jeff Wankum, his Family, and his memory.
Memories of loved ones live on forever in our hearts and minds. Praying for you and your family during this very difficult time.
Lit a candle in memory of Jeffrey Ronald Wankum