Florence Wilke

Florence Lydia Wilke, age 94 and formerly of Watertown, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2017, at Liberty Village, LeRoy, IL after a long battle with Alzheimer's has completed her journey in this life and went home to be with her Lord and Savior and her husband Robert. She was born May 26, 1923 in Kaneville, Illinois, the daughter of William and Francis Hamacher Trotts. She married Robert Wilke on April 24, 1943 in Waterloo, Wisconsin. He passed away on October 20, 1995. Florence grew up in the Waterloo and Lake Mills area, graduating from Waterloo High School. After her marriage to Robert the couple lived in Watertown. Three years after the birth of their son, they moved to Mullen's Dairy Farm located three miles west of Watertown, where they shared farmed for fourteen years. In 1962, they moved back to Watertown and lived on West Street. While in Watertown, she was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Florence and her husband enjoyed attending family reunions, euchre tournaments and polka dances. She worked at the Carnation Company in Oconomowoc, retiring after 20 years on February 20, 1984. In 2002, Florence moved to Bloomington, IL to be close to her family. In her later years she enjoyed being with the family and playing bingo. On Monday, December 4, 2007, a visitation was held at the Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington, IL. A visitation will be held at the Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Watertown, WI on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Florence's graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at the Oak Hill Cemetery with the Pastor Jason Collins. Florence is survived by a son, Roger (Ruby) Wilke of Ellsworth, IL, a stepdaughter Mary (Jim) Patrick of Denver, CO and two grandsons; Warrant Officer Paul (Kim) Wilke, Brasilia, Brazil U.S. Army, Ryan Wilke, Bloomington, IL and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Jackson of Bloomington, IL. She will be missed by nine great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, a sister, Mary Caroline Nimann and many other relatives and friends. Florence is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters. The family suggests memorials be made to Ellsworth United Methodist Church, Ellsworth, IL, Christ United Methodist Church, Watertown or to the charity of one's choice. On-line condolences may be sent at www.watertownwifuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Schmutlzer-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service
500 Welsh Road Watertown 53098, United States