Reunions, 1923-2006

The Wenk reunion in 1923. Ignatz and Joseph are gone, but Eva Catharine and Olive Wenk, the family matriarchs, are present. A few people on the left are posing out of frame. This photo is genuine proof that Wenk cameramen cannot center a picture frame. It's a genetic trait that would be handed down through the generations.

   The Wenk Reunion occurs annually every summer in Michigan. Each family brings food for the potluck, and a meeting is held where officers are elected and the past year is reported on: Births and deaths, marriages, etc.
   At first they even put on plays and other entertainment, but that soon all gave way to allow more time for the most important event: the eating, which started earlier each year.
   Here are some Wenk Family Reunion notes from over the years, compiled by Carl Hause, husband of Martha Wenk, for the 2006 Reunion...


The Wenk reunion in 1925. Olive and Eva Catharine are present. A nicely arranged photo, too, except for the blurry hyper kid in the middle. He inhaled too much helium from his balloon, I guess...

   75 Years Ago—July 6, 1931: Our nation was in the midst of the Great Depression. Herbert Hoover was President, "talking" movies were in theaters for anyone who could afford to go, and Babe Ruth dominated the sports pages.
   The Wenk Annual Reunion was held at the Albert Wenk cottage on Silver Lake. The meeting began at 1:00 and everyone stayed for supper. John Wenk was the president and Elmer Pierce was the Secretary-Treasurer. The Refreshment Committee consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Roland Wenk and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hackbarth.
   Business conducted at the meeting was as follows:

  • It was decided that, beginning in 1932, dinner would be at 1:00 in place of an evening supper.
  • Otto Goetz was elected as President and Carl Wenk was elected as Secretary-Treasurer.
  • Mrs. John Wenk was given a vote of thanks for bringing strawberries and ice cream.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Norman Wenk and Mr. & Mrs. Lorenz Wenk were selected for 1932 refreshments.
  • Expenses for the 1931 Reunion were $8.05. This left a balance of $2.55.
  • It was decided that there would be no collection, as the current funds were sufficient.


A Wenk reunion in the early 1930's. Once again, the photo is oddly framed, as the first row of children are missing up to their heads.

   50 Years Ago—July, 1956: Dwight Eisenhower was finishing his first term as President. Gas was 35 cents a gallon, rock and roll was on the radio, and everyone wanted to buy a '56 Chevy or Ford.
   The Wenk Annual Reunion was held at the Lima Center Community Hall. A potluck dinner was served at noon, followed by the business meeting. Norman J. Wenk was the President and Edna Burkhardt was the Secretary-Treasurer.
   Business conducted at the meeting was as follows:

  • Arthur Wenk, Norman O. Wenk, and Mrs. Walter Loeffler were elected as 1957 officers.
  • Each family was asked to pay $1.50 for expenses.
  • Mr. & Mrs Otto Goetz were honored as the oldest members present.
  • Jean Wenk was the youngest member attending.
  • The meeting concluded with a slide presentation by Norman J. Wenk showing the Badlands and Yellowstone National Park.
  • Ice cream and cake were served before everybody left for home.


A Reunion in the early fifties, featuring games for the kids.

   25 Years Ago—June 28, 1981: Ronald Reagan was in his first year as President, and was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt. The Iran hostages were released. A first class stamp cost 15 cents. MTV began broadcasting music videos, but we all watched "Hill Street Blues".
   The Wenk Annual Reunion was held at the home of Ruby and Walter Loeffler. After the potluck dinner, President Ron Burkhardt conducted the meeting and Elaine Burkhardt was the Secretary-Treasurer. Attending the reunion were 11 families with 39 family members.
   Business conducted at the meeting was as follows:

  • Bob and Marie Pratt were elected as officers for 1982.
  • Dorothy Wenk gave the Historian's Report.
  • The oldest member present was Elsa Hackbarth, and Ryan McNamara was the youngest.
  • Jean Wenk was the youngest member attending.
  • Norm and Lorena Wenk offered to host the 1982 Reunion.
  • Ice cream and cake were served before everybody left for home.


The 1987 Reunion at the home of Ernie and Edna Wenk. Everybody's in frame! Nice photo!!!

   Beyond the dinner time going from 2pm to the very moment everybody showed up, the Wenk Reunions listed here show just how committed the family still is to remaining a close, tightly-knit group. There are fewer Wenks and more Poley's, Burkhardts, and Morgan's, but that sensibility remains, from the time of Ignatz and Joseph Wenk in the 1800's until today.
   Besides, it's a good reason to have cake and ice cream.


The 2005 Reunion. Another Wenk photographer cuts off the last few people on the right, so Pat Simeck pasted a couple more family members in using another photo. We Wenk descendants are nothing if we aren't consistent, and our bad camera aim is the most consistent quality of all.