Neva M. Wank
Neva Marie Heintz Wank, 65, of Winamac, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at home surrounded by her loving family. Neva bravely fought a brief battle with cancer.
Neva began her eternal journey on Jan. 3, 1960 in Starke County to the late Jack and Marjorie (Field) Heintz. She was the youngest of three children and known for her spunk and for holding her own. She attended Eastern Pulaski Schools from where she received her GED. Neva also earned her Associates Degree in accounting from the Indiana Business College of Kokomo. After graduation she lived in Logansport and then settling in Winamac working various jobs.
On July 7, 1984 she married her soulmate Sam Wank. She used her accounting skills to support the small grain farm she and Sam operated for many years.
More than farming, Neva loved her family. In married life, her work was her home and family. With Sam, Neva raised four boys. As their children grew up, they were very involved in a local homeschooling group and 4-H. She served as the President of the homeschooling group for 11 years and with Sam as 4-H leader of Harrison Hustlers 4-H Club. After retiring from 4-H leader she gave her time as a project judge for many years. In 2009, she and Sam received the Pulaski County Friends of 4-H award.
As her boys grew up and started their own families, Neva continued to give her time through St. Peters Catholic Church in Winamac. She gave countless hours to the funeral dinner effort and to the Good Samaritan Store.
In 2010, Sam built her the summer kitchen of her dreams. She considered herself a “canning rebel” and loved canning the bounty of Sam’s vast garden.
Neva always had a smile for everyone. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her husband, Sam Wank; sons: Rex and Julie Wank of Winamac, Cory and Pam Wank of Rochester, Lance and Nicole Wank of Francesville and Walker Wank of Winamac; grandchildren: Kirstin, Katlin, Michelle, Wyatt, Shay, Harlan and Marjorie; great- grandchildren: Harlow, Ruby, Barrett and Easton; siblings: Rich Heintz of Winamac and Nancy Heintz Kline of Monticello; sister-in-law Linda Wank Lewis of Columbus; and several nieces, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Norm Lewis; father-in-law John Fredrick Wank; and mother-in-law Alberta Frances Becker Wank.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., Nov. 22, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac.
Visitation was from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Rosary was said at 10:30 a.m. with Mass immediately following.
A gathering of family and friends will also be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Eagles in Winamac.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Winamac.
Neva’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the Wank family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — Nov. 26, 2025)