Vicki Wanke

Vicki Wanke, 69, of Granite Falls, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at her residence.  Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 30th at 4:30 pm at the Wing-Bain Funeral Home in Granite Falls.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Friday. 

Vicki peacefully entered eternity on August 24, 2024, at the age of 69, in her cherished home in Granite Falls. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of kindness, resilience, and humor, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Vicki Elyse Wanke began her life’s journey on January 18, 1955, in Bottineau, North Dakota, born to Francis W. W. “Frank” and Ethel (Pearson) Baumann. She spent her early years in Lakota, ND, before her family moved to Granite Falls in 1967. Vicki graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1973 and later attended Southwestern Technical College, where she earned a degree in Fluid Power in 1991. 

Vicki remained in the Granite Falls area, building a life filled with love, laughter, and family, and was blessed with two wonderful sons. Vicki’s career was fulfilling and enjoyed working with people. She began working at Firefly Creek Casino in 1990, starting as a blackjack dealer and growing into various roles over her two decades of service. It was here, in the spring of 2002, that Vicki met Kerry Wanke. Their connection was immediate, and with the help of mutual friends, they had their first date on October 22, 2002. Their love story quickly blossomed, leading to a wedding in Las Vegas on October 5, 2004. In 2010, Vicki discovered her true calling at Divine House in Granite Falls, where she worked as a program coordinator. She passionately guided and supported four young adults on their journeys, forming bonds that remained strong until her final days. 

Outside of her professional life, Vicki cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, whether attending their sporting events, celebrating birthdays, or enjoying spontaneous visits. When distance kept them apart, Vicki made sure to stay connected through late-night FaceTime calls with all the kids at once, often lasting long into the evening. She also found joy in fishing, shooting, canning, cooking, traveling to new places with Kerry and making trips to the Baumann family farm. 

Vicki is survived by her beloved husband of 19 years, Kerry Wanke; her sons, David Harris (Danielle) with their son Jordan, and Jeramie Harris (Christine) with their children Tyler and Emily; her brothers and sisters, Cheryl Bohlman, Dave (Jean) Swalstad, Sue (Francis) Styrene, Kathy (Tom) Alford, Mary Kellen, Debra (Richard) Morris, Clayton (DeEtte) Swalstad and Francis “Frank” Jr. (Joanna) Baumann; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother Bernadine Swalstad-Baumann, brother Bruce Baumann, sister Kristin Lalim-Holwerda, and her grandson Brandon Harris.