Roger Wilke

Roger K. Wilke, age 88, of Sheboygan, went home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, May 5, 2016.

He was born August 12, 1927 in Sheboygan to Julius and Augusta (Adams) Wilke. He attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and Sheboygan Central High School. Roger served his country in the US Army as an NCO in a chemical mortar battalion in Fort Lewis, Washington.

Following his honorable discharge he was united in marriage to LaVern Wondergem on April 23, 1948. Together they raised four children and enjoyed family trips throughout the United States. The couple traveled extensively including trips to Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Africa. They also shared many wonderful times at their cottage on White Potato Lake. After nearly sixty-eight years of marriage, LaVern preceded him in death on March 18, 2016.

For a few years Roger was employed at Kohler Co. before starting an antenna installation business in 1954 with his partner, Philip Oostdyk. The business later became Oostdyk and Wilke TV Service, now known as O & W Communications. Roger retired in June of 1992.

He was a longtime, active member of First Christian Reformed Church where he served on the Radio Board and was a recording technician for the "Old Time Religion" radio broadcast. He also served several terms on the board for Sheboygan Christian School.

Roger's hobbies included fishing and deer hunting with four generations of family. He also enjoyed thirty-five years of pheasant hunting trips with his family and friends from South Dakota.

Roger is survived by his children, Renee (Michael W.) Landgraf, William (Jean) Wilke, and Peter (Wendy) Wilke all of Sheboygan; eight grandchildren, Michael J. Landgraf, Patrick (Debra) Landgraf, Jana (Eric) Rosenstein, Erin O'Brien, Laurel (Robert) Neary, Julie (Steve) Manolis, Thomas Wilke, and Joseph Wilke; eight great-grandchildren, Justin, Madison, Hope, Jacob, Tyler, Robert Joseph, Emmalyn, and Eloise; three sisters, Joyce (Robert) Hansen of Racine, WI, Barbara (Peter) Beyer of Green Bay, WI, and Judy (Robert) Gottsacker of Howards Grove; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, LaVern, he was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Lee and his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Malcolm Sabrowsky.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Christ Community Church (formerly First Christian Reformed Church) 5th and Geele, Sheboygan. Rev. Larry Meyer, Pastor, will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Kohler.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for Christ Community Church or the charity of your choice.

To sign the guestbook, please visit: www.ballhornchapels.com