Gerald Clarence Wilke, 78, passed away peacefully at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh on Feb. 10, 2018, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief battle with cancer.
Gerald was born on April 15, 1939, in Shawano to William and Elenora (Rueckert) Wilke. Gerald married Carol Jean Clark on Oct. 27, 1958.
Gerald’s first job was at Hott’s Paper Factory in Shawano. He then moved to Cambria, where he helped his sister run a cheese factory. From there, he moved his family to Oshkosh to work at Lone Elm Cheese Factory. Gerald was deemed disabled in 1978, but always took on various jobs, such as delivering papers for Star Shoppers to driving cars for King Clift Auto.
He always had a love for cars, whether he was driving them or watching them on the racetrack. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, bingo and gambling at any casino that was close to home. During family holidays he would enjoy playing dice and poker, where he usually always won all our money. No matter the situation, he was always there and had a way of putting a smile on your face with all of his cheesy jokes.
He loved his family dearly and had a special love for his great-granddaughter Morgan. Morgan was the joy of his world and always made him light up and smile whenever she walked into the room, even in his final days.
Gerald is survived by a son, Jeffrey (Elaine) Wilke, of Oshkosh; three daughters Victoria (Thomas) Wilke, of Oshkosh, Wendy Wilke, of Oshkosh, and Lisa (Larry) Kryzaniak, of Oshkosh; 11 grandchildren, Jason, Josh, Nick, Dalton, Ashley Tara, Jason, Danielle, Levi, Mike and Amanda; 14 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Harley Wilke of Oshkosh.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; a son, David; a daughter, Dawn Soman; one brother; and eight sisters.
Gerald leaves behind his companion of 10 years, Charlene Wesenberg.
Memorial services for Gerald will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 338 N. Eagle St. in Oshkosh. Visitation will be on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Gerald’s memory.
Gerald’s family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Gremminger and Dr. Larsen, along with the hospice staff at Mercy Medical Center, with a special thank you to Dr. Foley, who took the time to check on him his final day, even on his days off.