Born: November 11, 1935 - Deceased: November 6, 2024
Wayne William Weeke, 88, of Town & Country, MO, born Monday, November 11, 1935, in St. Louis, MO, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in Saint Louis, MO. Wayne, a gentleman and a “gentle man.” Those who knew Wayne recognized his generous and honorable qualities. His greatest love was his family and his steadfast Faith in God. At the last moments on earth he was surrounded by his family and their endless love for him.
Wayne graduated from Belleville High School, and later Westminster College in Fulton, MO, where he met his wife, Sharon. Next, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as Engineering Officer on the U.S.S. Sarsfield in Key West, FL. He reveled in his lifelong love of anything to do with “water experiences,” with his ocean assignment. Next Wayne and Sharon returned to Belleville, IL, where Wayne assumed the business of directing Weeke Wholesale Company, a family business started by his father, Oscar Weeke, in 1913.
He went on to many leadership roles in the community, state and national scene; including President of the State of Illinois Candy and Tobacco Association, and President of the National Association of Candy Distributors. He then combined the Tobacco and Candy Associations into the American Wholesale Marketing Association, in Washington, D. C. Along with his son, Scott Weeke, he continued the direction of Weeke Wholesale Company.
Wayne’s second “career” was contributing to various Boards of Directors, in the Belleville area, including the Magna Bank Board, Bank of Belleville Board and formation and Board of Directors of the West Point Bank & Trust. He was President of two Lutheran Church congregations and the Signal Hill School Board. His love of the water continued with living “on the water” at the Lake of the Ozarks and Hawaii. Wayne enjoyed and loved the many friends and associates he made at home and throughout the country.
Wayne leaves a legacy of love and joy for all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Son: Douglas Glenn Weeke
- Parents: Oscar & Corina, nee Meier, Weeke
Surviving are his:
- Wife of 66 years: Sharon L., nee Gladson, Weeke of Town & Country, MO
- Children
- Alyson (Dr. John) Bradfield of Middletown, MD
- Elizabeth (Ralf) Nosic of Defiance, MO
- Scott (Susan) Weeke of Irvine, CA
- Grandchildren
- Natasha (Scott) Dunwoody
- Stefan (Maggie) Nosic
- Nicolette (Matthew) Bigham
- Dr. Connor (Sarah) Bradfield
- Alex Weeke (fiancé, Ryan Neighbors)
- Justin (Carlie) Bradfield
- Great grandchildren
- Ivana Dunwoody
- Glenn Dunwoody
- Theo Bigham
- Charlotte Bigham
- Adeline Reichle-Bradfield
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society or Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017.
Funeral: Private family services were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MO. Interment at Trinity Cemetery in Chesterfield, MO.
4 Comments
George and I want to express our sincere sympathy and prayers for God’s comfort. It sounds like you and Wayne have had a rich life and a wonderful family. We are still attending Signal Hill Lutheran Church on West Main in Belleville. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Darlene Fritzinger
Sharon and family. So sorry for your loss. Wayne was a wonderful man
I was a classmate of Wayne’s at BTHS Class of ‘53…as the beginning of his obit suggests..a true gentleman…a slow ever-present smile..dear friend…RIP Wayne
Sharon and family,
Vicky & I are saddened to hear of our dear friends passing and send our condolences. We have fond memories of our relationship with Wayne, you and your family that will never fade. I had the pleasure of a professional relationship with Wayne during his many years of devoted contributions to our bank boards where his steady, measured advise was always constructive and reliable. Wayne’s devotion and love of family was central in his life and was inspiring to all who knew him. He contributed to community, including many years of service to the Signal Hill School Board. I will be forever grateful for our association with Wayne, you and family and the friendship that has endured.
Vicky & Terry