Wilke, Barbara Jane

Barbara Jane Wilke, age 72, of the Town of Belle Plaine, Shawano County, WI passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends, on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Barbara was born February 19, 1940 in Stanley, WI to the late Rev. Frank, Sr. and Gladys (Jordan) Kudasik. Following the death of her parents in her early childhood, she was adopted by her cousin, Esther (Lentz) and the late Wendell Haskins. Barbara graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac, WI and then attended Conquerors Bible College in Portland, OR. She worked for Giddings & Lewis Company as a purchaser until just prior to marriage. On February 5, 1977, Barbara was united in marriage to Gary Wilke in Oshkosh, WI whom she met attending various church functions. For 35 wonderful years, she was by his side faithfully. They were a team in all that they did. Barbara enjoyed being outdoors gardening and doing yard work. For more than 20 years, Barbara and Gary along with their daughter Heather, have served as Caretakers to the Wisconsin District United Pentecostal Church Campgrounds in Belle Plaine. This truly was Barbara’s heartbeat. She spent countless hours mowing grass and doing various projects, being most certain that the grounds were in immaculate condition. Barbara enjoyed family vacations visiting family and friends and sightseeing across the United States, and enjoyed camping trips to northern Wisconsin. She was involved in church throughout her life as a Sunday School Teacher, playing the accordion, and was an accomplished pianist. Barbara was a member of Calvary Apostolic Church of Clintonville, WI. She touched countless lives with her sweet spirit and was steadfast in her service and love for God and always put others before herself. Survivors include: her husband, Gary; her daughter, Heather Wilke, Shawano; her mother, Esther Haskins, Fond du Lac; a sister, Marilyn (Daniel) Wilke, Fond du Lac; a sister-in-law, Joan Kudasik, Yelm, WA. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her biological parents, her father Wendell Haskins, and a brother Frank Kudasik, Jr. A Home-Going service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday May 12, 2012 at 3 PM at the Calvary Apostolic Church in Clintonville with Pastor Sylvester Narlock officiating. Interment will follow at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 5 – 8 PM and again on Saturday from 2 PM until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting her family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com.