Michael F. Wenke

Michael Francis Wenke ("Mike"), of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, passed from this world into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday evening, April 30, 2026. His beloved wife of nearly 43 years, Ilhee, and two adoring daughters, Kimberly and Michelle, were by his side. Countless family members and friends were with him in spirit from around the world, carried by the heartfelt prayers and thoughts sent his way. At age 69, his courageous six-year battle with pancreatic cancer ended, and he is now peacefully and victoriously at rest in the presence of his Savior in Heaven.

Mike was the loving son of the late Bernice Clare (Delany) and the late Joseph James Wenke, Sr. Though born in South Philadelphia, PA, he was a proud lifelong resident of Delaware County — growing up in the Briarcliffe neighborhood of Glenolden alongside 10 cherished siblings.

Mike attended Our Lady of Fatima Grade School and graduated from Cardinal O'Hara High School with the Class of 1975. He went on to spend four of his most formative years playing college basketball as the starting point guard at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia— many of his records still standing after 47 years. Mike graduated magna cum laude and was proudly inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2024. The friendships he forged during those years—and throughout his childhood—were ones he treasured and kept close for the rest of his life.

While at W&L, Mike was chosen to be a recipient of the Henry Luce Scholar Program, which brought him to Seoul, South Korea for a year. Here he worked as a basketball coach in many settings including as an advisor to the men and women’s Olympic National basketball teams, but mainly coaching the Kolon Women’s Professional Basketball Team. It was here that Mike would often recall the moment he met the love of his life, Ilhee Park. Three years of long-distance courtship would follow as Mike attended and graduated from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1983. Mike went back to Korea and married Ilhee. The couple settled in the US, raised three children in Briarcliffe, and made lasting memories there and in Glen Mills, where they later made their home.

He dedicated over 40 years to the practice of law. He held multiple leadership positions in the Delaware County Bar Association. Notably, he had the distinct honor of being the Association’s President in 2000, and was later inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2022. 

Mike was an accomplished athlete and attorney, but what defined him most was his love of family. He was a deeply devoted husband, supportive father and a beloved Pop Pop. He could be found cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, gathered around a table playing games, or savoring family traditions and annual vacations. Watching his children and grandchildren grow and thrive was, quite simply, the joy of his life.

He was a devoted member of the Bryn Mawr Gospel Hall where he served as an elder for many years. He took every opportunity to share how he was saved by grace, and often spoke of how God worked all circumstances in his life for good—even the hard moments. At the close of a life well lived, he was at peace, ready to meet the Savior he loved.

Mike will be forever missed. He is survived by his faithful wife, Ilhee (née Park); his two loving daughters, Kimberly Morrison (Ryan) and Michelle Cunningham (Aaron); and his nine adoring grandchildren — Isla Jane, Emma Claire, Delany Noelle, James Joseph (JJ), Amelia Reece, Everly Quinn, Nolan Michael Jeffrey, Sadie Ann, and Adaline Love — each one cherished beyond measure.

Mike is also survived by his nine siblings, Joe Wenke, Jack Wenke (Sheila), Maureen Lucchetta (Art), Jim Wenke (Wendy), Bernice Jones (Jim), Annie Orsini, Kathy McWilliams (Vic), Patty Howard (Joe), and Bob Wenke (Cindy); his dear mother-in-law, Kum Ja Lim; his Aunt Deloris Delany; 31 adoring nieces and nephews: and 28 grand nieces and nephews with one on the way; and many cousins.

He is now reunited with the loved ones who went before him — including his precious son, Jeffrey, after 25 long years apart; his mother, Bernice; his father, Joe; and his sister, Bernadette.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mike's Viewing on Thursday evening, May 14, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM, and again Friday morning, May 15, beginning at 9:00 AM, both at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, PA 19382. A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Church. Interment will be at Media Cemetery with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mike’s honor to the “Friends for Friends” charity which was very dear to his heart. See www.fffcharity.com for more information.

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