- Date Of Birth: April 14, 1926
- Date Of Death: October 21, 2013
- State: Illinois
Vernice Jane Wilke, 87, of Freeport died peacefully at home on October 21, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. Vernice was a life-long resident of Freeport, born at home on April 14, 1926. She was the first daughter of Albert (Butch) and Bessie (Herbig) Krueger.
She attended Immanuel Lutheran School and graduated from Freeport High School. She married Milton E. Wilke on September 15, 1945. They were married 60 years. Vernice was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and worked a number of years at W. T. Rawleigh.
She enjoyed volunteering at church, singing in the choir, baking cookies, flower gardening and visiting the cabin she and Milt owned in Eagle River, WI. She still enjoyed gathering with her high school friends for coffee every month.
She was affectionately known as Grandma Cookie. Surviving is one son, Paul (Debra) of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Tera Hoefle (Landen Davis) and Elissa Wilke of Houston and Benjamin Wilke of Austin, TX; one great granddaughter, Everleigh Davis of Houston; her “second” daughter Jan (Wes) Wescott of Freeport; her “second” son and neighbor Galen (Carole) Bertram of Freeport; her sister Norma Doering of Atlanta, a niece, Beth (Larry) Obrock and nephew, Mike Doering.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son and daughter Mary.
