Thursday, May 11th, 2023
Imelda Wilker
Imelda G. "Millie" Wilker, age 93, of rural New Bremen, peacefully passed away at 10:45 P.M. at the Vancrest of St. Marys on Monday, May 8, 2023.
She was born on July 15, 1929 in Ft. Recovery, Ohio the daughter of the late Frank W. & Elenora E. (Homan) Wendel. She married Jerome W. Wilker on October 24, 1950 and together they shared 72 wonderful years. Jerome survives at home.
Also surviving are her children: James (Barbara) Wilker, Ruth (Thomas) Keller, David (Sandra) Wilker, Rita (Jerry) Keller, and Janet (Mark) Broerman all of New Bremen, and Virgil (Lorena) Wilker of Maria Stein; her twenty-three grandchildren, fifty-three great-grandchildren (with three more on the way), and five step great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory are her brothers Elmer Wendel and Melvin Wendel both of Coldwater and a sister in-law Martha Wendel of Ft. Recovery.
Along with her parents, Millie was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses: Novella (Albert) Lauber, Thelma (Irvin) Schindler, Ermin (Regina) Wendel, Werner (Patricia) Wendel, Alvin Wendel, Virgil Wendel, and Joan Wendel.
Millie was a graduate of Ft. Recovery High School. She worked at Kuck's Turkey Farm in New Knoxville, the former Vanderhorst Canning Factory in St. Marys, and also cleaned offices at Crown Equipment Corp. in New Bremen. She had been a devoted member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen for many years. She was a busy homemaker and farmer's wife, always doing her best to tend to the needs of her family. She was well known as a great cook and baker having a specialty in her sweet-rolls, breads, and cookies. She enjoyed tending to her large vegetable garden, sewing and quilting, making quilts for her family as well as crocheting doilies. Most of all she loved children, and loved spending time with her large family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen with Rev. Fr. Mark Hoying, Rev. Fr. Ron Wilker and Deacon Mr. Brad Feltz concelebrating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 14, 2023 from 3:00 until 6:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and again on Monday morning at the church from 9:00 till 10:00 A.M.
Memorial contributions in Imelda's memory can be made to Grand Lake Hospice (1122 East Spring Street, St Marys, Ohio 45885) or for Masses at the Church of the Holy Redeemer (120 S. Eastmoor Drive, New Bremen, Ohio 45869).
Memories and online condolences can be shared with the family on the funeral home website: www.gilberghartwigfh.com.
