Melvin G. Wilke

Melvin G. Wilke, 85, Wausau, died Friday December 19, 2014 at the Wells Nature View, Marshfield. He was born November 15, 1929, in Dorchester, son of the late George and Agnes (Weber) Wilke. On July 12, 1958, he married Florence Brandt at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Marshfield. She preceded him in death June 22, 2014. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving during the Korean War. Mel had been employed for 32 years in sales at Sears and retired from Grebe's after 10 years of service. He was a member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council 1219 in Marshfield and the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Pere Rene Menard General Assembly. As an active member of St. Anne Parish, Mel was involved in various volunteer activities and also served as an usher. Through the years, Mel enjoyed various involvements including bowling, as well as hunting and fishing with his sons. For over thirty years, Mel and Florence operated a Christmas tree lot in Marshfield. Survivors include his children, Jeff (Sharon) Wilke, Marshfield, Tim Wilke, Rocky Mount, NC, Brian (Cindy) Wilke, Weston, Russ (Peggy) Wilke, Weston; grandchildren, Michael Wilke (Jenny Sanasac), Justin (Rachel) Wilke; Andrew and Peter Wilke; Victoria, Jessica, Cassandra and Kristina Wilke; great grandchildren, Savannah, twins, Brooklyn & Charlotte Wilke; siblings, John Wilke, Pittsville, Charles Wilke, Mount Vernon, Missouri, Mary Ann (Donald) Lindner, Greenwood, Lucille (Gerald) Jensen, Marshfield, Edith (Dale) Palecek, Merrill and Dorothy (Marvin) Raasch, Wisconsin Rapids. Besides his parents, and wife, Florence, he was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Wilke and an infant brother. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday December 23, 2014 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Matthew Marshall will preside. Entombment will be in Christus Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish and Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening at the Sixth Street funeral home. Pallbearers for the service will be Melvin's grandchildren, Michael & Justin Wilke, Andrew & Peter Wilke and Victoria & Jessica Wilke. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.