Wilken, Edith C.

Edith C. Wilken, age 90 years, of Clintonville passed away Friday, August 27,2010 at her home surrounded by her family. The former Edith Cecila Henn was born May 26, 1920 in Briarton, Town of Lessor, Shawano County, to Charles and Anna (Leirich) Henn. She graduated from Clintonville High School in 1939. Edith was united in marriage on September 17, 1940 to Kenneth F. Wilken at St. Rose Church rectory in Clintonville. For several years, she was employed at Hansen Glove Factory, Clintonville. For 25 years, the couple dairy farmed in the Town of Matteson until the late 1960’s. Edith then went to work for Simmon’s Juvenile Products in New London for 15 years, retiring in 1984. She is a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Edith enjoyed volunteering with the Clintonville Senior Center for the “meals on wheels” program. Her other interests included knitting, crocheting, canning, and flower gardening. She especially loved raising, taking care of, and spending time with her family. Survivors include twelve children, Helen (Robert) Nelson of New London; Melvin (Joann) Wilken of Mora, MN; Judi (George) Kunnanz of Clintonville; LeRoy Wilken of Clintonville; Roger Wilken of New London; Joseph Wilken of Clintonville; Dan (Diane) Wilken of Greenville; Joan Wilken of Appleton; Patricia (Haresh) Lakhan of Eagan, MN; Darlene Brown of N. Las Vegas, NV; Don (Carolyn) Wilken of Clintonville; and Daryl (Lisa) Wilken of Clintonville. There are 28 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. There are two sisters, Sr. Margaret Anne Henn of Sinsinawa and Anna (Clayton) Gorges of Menasha. There are three brothers, Adolph “Mike” Henn of Seymour; Robert (Elaine) Henn of S. Milwaukee; and Fidelis “Felix” Henn of S. Milwaukee. There are three sisters-in-law, Rosetta Henn of Navarino; Marge Henn of Clintonville; and Marlene Schultz of S. Milwaukee. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Edith is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth in 1985; a daughter, Valerie; an infant son, John; two sisters, Agnes Rogers & Gertrude Prahl; and four brothers, George, Jerome, Anthony, and Aloysius Henn. She is further preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Sharon, and two sons-in-law, Richard Van Lyssel & James Brown. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 31st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Fr. John “Jack” Mullarkey officiated and burial followed in the parish cemetery. Friends called on Monday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of mass at the church. Online condolences may be sent via www.beil-didier.com.