Date of death: 8/3/2024
Saint Meinrad Class: PD 2012
Sadly, Deacon Philip Morgan Wanek passed away on August 3, 2024 in Star Valley, WY at age 83. Deacon Phil came into this life in Billings, MT. He was a beloved figure in his community and among his friends and family. Born in a succession of a long line of pharmacists, his career took a unique turn when he moved to New Mexico. He became a pioneer in the field of nuclear pharmacy while working at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and later at several biotech firms across the US, lending his unique talents and blend of expertise and innovation to cancer research and treatment.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Phil enjoyed fishing, hiking, sailing, and canoeing with his family, above all, his late wife Pat. Ordained as a deacon in the Catholic Church in 2012, he cherished his years of service to the Star Valley Community, and the Parish of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Deacon Phil’s life was enriched by his love of family. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Pat Wanek, he is survived by his children Luke Wanek, Laura Wanek and Mark Wanek; his daughters-in-law CeCe Wanek and Clara Oropeza-Wanek; his grandchildren AriAna Smith, Brandon Cummings, and Kyle Wanek; his brothers Ed and Mike Wanek; his sister Mary Sjoberg; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.