Karin Maria Wanke Whitlock's Obituary
Karin Maria Wanke Whitlock – better known as “Nana” because she was a central figure in the lives of her community and family members – died Jan. 10 from Parkinson’s disease.
A one-woman force, on a given day Karin could be found simultaneously baking for friends, caring for grandkids and whipping up her celebrated “Nana pancakes.” The delicacies somehow managed to be both delicious and hygienic despite her stuffing them with long-expired ingredients, reflecting her view that money and food should never be wasted.
Karin’s frugalness stemmed from her childhood in war-torn Germany. She was born in Breslau in 1939 to Elisabeth Maria Braeulich Wanke and Helmut Paul Johan Wanke, who later died in World War 2. In 1945, the family was expelled from their home when Breslau was transferred to Poland. But Elisabeth kept Karin and her brother, Detlef, safe.
In 1953, the family immigrated to the United States and settled in Salt Lake City. Karin didn’t speak a word of English, but Elisabeth worked several jobs to allow her daughter, then 14-years-old, to attend school and learn the language. The two maintained an unbreakable bond.
Four years later, Karin married the love of her life, Rodney Lawrence Whitlock, in the Manti Temple, later settling in Sugar House for 60 years.
They were a lesson in contrasts; he was a kid at heart while she had a stoic demeanor, drawing comparisons to Peter Pan and Wendy. Everyone knew not to mess with Nana, but they also knew they were loved and tirelessly supported.
It was difficult to faze Karin. She faced down life’s challenges with a dry sense of humor. Parkinson’s disease, she insisted, gave her new dance moves.
Over the decades, Rodney and Karin’s house bustled with kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren, as well as members of the community. The kitchen countertops, covered in day-old bread obtained on clearance, drying bibs and apricots, were rarely seen. Karin joked that the crib never went into storage. Outside the home, Nana was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and frequently contributed to the Relief Society, including serving as president from 1968 to 1970 of the Mountain View 4th Ward Relief Society.
Relaxation didn’t come naturally to Karin. For family parties she cooked up a feast and later scanned for empty plates in need of replenishing, such was her tendency to put others before herself. But in her later years, she and Rodney enjoyed traveling to far-off locales like China.
She was preceded in death by Elisabeth in 2010 and Rodney in 2021. The trio made up the heartbeat of the family, leaving deep sadness but also great memories and lessons to live by. Bis wir uns wiedersehen, Nana. (Until we meet again.)
Karin is survived by her brother Detlef (Barbara) and her five children: Pam (Kirk), Hal, Ryan, Darren (Paula), and Kim (Blake), as well as ten grandchildren: Justin (Theresa), Brianne (Paul), Stephanie, Danielle (Court), Brittney (Patrick), Jared (Fiona), Andrew, Adam, Conner, and McCall. She also has four great grandchildren, Ella, Carter, Silas, and Aria.
Viewings will be held Monday, Jan. 16 at 6-7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan.17 at 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Edgehill Ward, 1750 S. 1500 E., SLC. Following Tuesday viewing, funeral services will be held 11 a.m. at the same location.
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