Obituaries

NORMAN W. WILKS

Easter Lily      Norman W. Wilks, 73, died May 27, 2015, surrounded by his loved ones at Hospice House of Citrus County, Lecanto, Fla. He was born Dec. 19, 1941, to the late Ray and Mabel (Worden) Wilks, Union Grove.

A lifelong Union Grove resident, he attended Racine-Kenosha Normal School, Badger School and graduated from Union Grove High School, class of ’59. He attended the University of Wisconsin Farm Short Course and served with the Army National Guard. A dedicated farmer, he returned to the family farm and in 1966, he and his brother, Alvin, became partners in Wilks Bros. Farm. His love for the farm continued even after his retirement in 2001.

On July 13, 1963, he married Loretta Francis at Raymond Lutheran Church, Franksville.

A lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Norman served as an elder and usher. He enjoyed his winter home in Bushnell, Fla., and while there was a member of Woodlands Lutheran Church, Mt. Verde. He served as a member of the board at Racine Lutheran High School.

Dedicated to agriculture, Norman assumed leadership roles in Farm Service, Farm Bureau and the SE Wisconsin Pork Producers. A former 4-H’er and 4-H leader, he treasured watching family members in the show ring. He also enjoyed watching them compete in sports.

He loved cooking for family and friends and was known for giving parties for ‘no reason at all.’ Everyone loved his pork chops. He enjoyed playing cards, especially sheepshead, and was an avid gardener, developed beautiful flowerbeds here and in Florida.

Survivors include his wife; children, Becky (Robert) Demuth, Eric (Marcia) Wilks, Linnet (James) Henningfeld, Kelly (Tiffany) Wilks; grandchildren, Amber, Timothy, and Ty Demuth, Trevor, Krystle and Miranda Henningfeld, and Brady, Bennett and Mia Wilks; siblings, Alvin (Jean) Wilks, James (Carla) Wilks, Robert (Jeannie) Wilks and Betty (John) Boetcher; in-laws, Charles (Penny) Francis, Laura Staven, George (Pat) Francis and Doris Walley; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was further preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, John and Hedwig Francis; brothers-in-law, John Staven and William Walley.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Union Grove, Racine Lutheran High School or Woodlands Lutheran Church, Mt. Verde, FL.

Funeral services were June 2, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Burial was in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home, Union Grove, served the family.

Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.

Comments are closed.