Irene Wanke

Irene Wanke, 87, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away at home on Saturday January 17th, 2026. Irene was born in the Bronx, NY and spent time living in Brooklyn, NY before settling in Little Egg Harbor, NJ in 1983. Irene worked as a Supervisor in the Policy Review Department for the New York Compensation Insurance Rating board in Manhattan, NY. Her and her husband, Arthur, met at Church in New York where they were also members of the NYC Auxiliary Police Department. Upon leaving New York, she went on to hold various jobs as a dog groomer, lunch room aide, home health aide for Holy Redeemer and hospice worker for Southern Ocean County Hospital. She volunteered her time at many organizations such as: Lighthouse Thrift Shop and the thrift shop at the local hospital. She was a devout member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Galloway, NJ as well as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star (where she was past Grand Officer) and the Parkertown Auxiliary Fire Department. Irene was a kind and giving person who enjoyed crocheting, going to St.Mary’s for Thursday night dinners and being with her family.

Irene was predeceased by her parents Henry and Ruth Rath, her brother Bob Rath and her sister Marion Green.

She is survived by her loving husband Arthur Wanke of 47 years, daughter Janice VanBlarcom of Manahawkin, NJ, son Eric Popp of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, grandchildren Craig, Emily, Meagan, Jesse and Stephanie and great-grandchildren Aiden, Maddison, Jackson, Pacey, Skylar and Harper.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 23rd, 2026 from 3-6pm and on Saturday January 24th from 9-10am with a Funeral Service beginning at 10am at Maxwell Funeral Home 160 Mathistown Rd. Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087. Mausoleum Entombment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Tuckerton, NJ.