Don Irving Wilke, 94 of Elkader, Iowa passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the Elkader Care Center in Elkader, Iowa. He was born September 16, 1931 to Elmer and Carrie (Cook) Wilke.
On September 8, 1957, Don was united in marriage with Thelma Kleppe at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa. Four children were born to this union. Don was a lifelong farmer. He loved being outdoors, fishing, hunting, trapping and working in the garden. He was passionate about growing the biggest produce. Don had a favorite John Deere 2510 tractor. He loved all animals, especially dogs. He enjoyed playing cards with the card club and was always ready to tell a good joke.
Surviving Don are his wife of 68 years, Thelma Wilke; children, Jerry (Denise) Wilke of Elkader, Jean (Lee) Wiskus of Colesburg, Lois (Kenny) Weber of Volga and Debbie Wilke of Elkader; grandchildren, Matthew Wilke, Kendra Wilke, Stephanie (Josh) Woodworth, Shelley Wiskus, Stacey (Phil) Moore and Kyle Weber; great-grandchildren, Madison Kieffer, Sophia Kieffer, Everley Moore, Grayson Moore and Aubrey Moore; step-great-grandchildren, Riley Woodworth and Kaylynn Woodworth, sister-in-law Merilee Kleppe, and several nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Carrie Wilke; brother Arno Wilke, sister-in-law Wilma Wilke; brothers-in-law, Arnie Kleppe and Clarion Kleppe; nephews Bill Wilke and Bill Little, niece Melissa Wilke and grandsons, Ross Wilke and Ryan Wilke.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am with a visitation from 9 to 11 on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, Iowa with Rev. Paula Anderson as the officiant.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with services.