Bob Wienke

J. Robert "Bob" Wienke’s Scouting career began as a youth in 1924 when he joined Boy Scout Troop 2 in Woodstock. He began his career as an adult Scouter with Pack 350 in 1944. In 1947 he joined Troop 157, also in Woodstock, as an assistant Scoutmaster, later becoming Scoutmaster.

He continued in his pursuit of giving his time and talents to Scouting by assuming the position of Advisor to Explorer Post 657 in 1950. During that year he was tapped out by the Order of the Arrow. He went on to receive the Brotherhood Honor, and in 1988 was bestowed with the Vigil Honor.

Bob’s direct service to the Scouts and Scouters of the old Kishwaukee District (presently the Sycamore District) began in 1950. For 42 years he served on virtually every Boy Scout training program staff. He also participated on many Cub Scout training staffs. For the vast majority of these years he also served as district training chairman. He also served as a Cub Scout day camp director for four years. He served on district camporees staffs from 1975 to 1988. He served as the Kishwaukee District Camping Chairman from 1990 to 1991.

Bob has been honored for his accomplishments and contributions to Scouting and to his community as a recipient of the Wood Badge Award, District Award of Merit, District Action Award, and Honorary District Camporee Chief. In 1971 Bob was presented with the Silver Beaver Award for his dedication to Scouting.

Bob became very knowledgeable in handicraft through lots of practice and as a hobby. His strength was in leather tooling. He was the handicraft director at Camp Lowden from 1981 to 1987 and was referred to, naturally, as "Mr. Wienke." Dan Reilly recalls that one year at the camp staff parents’ meal before camp started he introduced Bob as his grandfather. After that time he was always known as "Grandpa Wienke."

Bruce Small recalls,

Bob Weinke was truly a shining example of the fact that Scout Spirit is not limited by age. Despite being one of the older staff members, he had no trouble keeping up with the younger members of staff and was always ready to help out whenever needed. His fatherly demeanor and friendly personality caused the Handicraft Lodge to constantly be filled to capacity. His wisdom, strong ethics, and firm belief in the Scout Oath and Law served as a guide for campers and staff members alike.

One of my favorite memories of Bob occurred one afternoon during our lunch program. Our group activity for the troops that summer was to choose a popular 1950s/1960s song and prepare a lip synch/dance production using it. I challenged the staff members to get together and come up with something as an example. I got way more than what I could ever have imagined! When the staff routine was to debut, I was given a seat with a clear view of the performance area so that I would not miss a thing. The song began to play. It was "Little Old Lady from Pasadena." To my complete surprise, through the doors came Bob costumed in a dress, wig, and lots of jewelry. He was being pulled in a little red wagon. He, along with the other staff members he had gotten to help him, danced and acted through the whole song. He had the biggest smile that I had ever seen on his face the whole time! It truly was a sight to see.

Bob truly exemplified every point of the Scout Oath and Law to its utmost. Before he left camp staff, Bob gave me one of his nametags and a button that says, "I Love Grandpa." I keep them both on my desk at camp during the summer, and they are a constant reminder to live up to the level of Scout spirit that Bob Weinke demonstrated.

On Sunday, January 24, 1993, more than one hundred family members, friends, Scouts, and Scouters were present in Woodstock to pay tribute to Bob Wienke and his dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America.

Tributes included a recitation by Blanche Stebbins of the poem "The Scoutmaster" by Eagle Scout Doug DeLong; an overview of Bob’s exemplary Scouting career by Jeff Moritz; and the presentation of a citation for 69 years of Scouting service from George Stone, Scout Executive, and Dave Thomas, Program Director.

The highlight of the afternoon’s dedication program was the formal announcement by Bruce Small that the Handicraft Lodge at Camp Lowden shall be henceforth known as the ‘J. Robert "Grandpa" Wienke Handicraft Lodge.’

Bob’s service to youth, his gifts of time and talent to Camp Lowden, and his dedication and loyalty to the Scouting program in the Blackhawk Area Council are, perhaps, unequalled and, without doubt, worthy of this honor.

Bob suffered from neck cancer for many years. He passed away on May 27, 1993.

In the mid-2000s, the original Handicraft Lodge was taken down and replaced with a new building - the Wienke Lodge - which is also dedicated to Bob.