Paul Wilke. Jr

Paul Wilke, Jr, age 91, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023. He has been lovingly reunited with his wife, Janet (Jester) who preceded him in death in 2000. Paul was born in Camden, New Jersey, on September 25, 1932, to Paul and Elizabeth (Donaldson) Wilke, Sr. He grew up on the family farm in New Berlin, WI with his four siblings. 

 

He was united in marriage to Janet in 1957.  Together they raised five children: Stuart (Patti) Wilke, Pam (Mark) Menge, Gregg (Lynn) Wilke, Heidi (Brian) Rich, and Tracy Aliota.

 

He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Matthew and Sarah Wilke, Emily Wilke, Nicholas, Alexander and Samuel Aliota, and Sophie Rich. Paul found love again after Janet’s passing.  He married Elizabeth (Betty) Vande Wettering in 2004 and was welcomed by her loving family.

 

Paul was a proud military veteran, serving in the army as an International Morse Code Operator. He enjoyed sharing stories of his travels, particularly about climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower and grabbing the lightning rod and traveling to Egypt, a childhood dream of his. He will be remembered for his love of his collector cars and guns, spending time up north and his fondness of hunting and fishing.

 

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children and grandchildren; Betty's family; sisters Sandra and Adele (Ken) as well as his nieces and nephew.

 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, Janet, sister, Erna, and brother, Werner.

 

A funeral service for Paul will take place on Friday November 24, 2023, at 2:00pm, at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 1:00pm until the service begins. Paul will be buried privately at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield.

 

The family would like to thank Katie, Caitlin, Abbey, and Paula, as well as the entire staff at Aspire Senior Living and also the nurses and staff from Moments Hospice for the love and care they showed Paul and his family.