Darlene M. Wilke

Darlene M. Wilke, age 94, of Parkers Prairie, died on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at St. Williams Living Center.

Funeral services are 11 a.m., on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Kirk Lee presiding. Music is provided by organist, Maureen Diedrich. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, Miltona.

The visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.

Darlene Marlys was born on September 29, 1931, to Harvey and Martha (Klug) Guenther in Alexandria. She was baptized on October 18, 1931, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield and confirmed on June 10, 1945, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Leaf Valley. Darlene graduated from Jefferson High School in 1950. She was united in marriage to Bertrin Wilke on September 14, 1950, by Rev. H.L. Sprengler at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Leaf Valley. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed in Leaf Valley for seven years until they moved to Miltona where they farmed until 1975. Bert and Darlene purchased Pleasant View Resort in 1969 and owned and operated it until they retired in 1994, at which time they moved to Parkers Prairie. Darlene was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and LWML, VFW Ladies Auxiliary 7826 in Miltona, and VFW Ladies Auxiliary 936 in Alexandria. She enjoyed her family, traveling to Florida, playing cards and bingo, and participating in the Red Hatters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bert in 1997; infant son; brother Carlyle Guenther; great-grandson Isak Zillmer; son-in-law Charles Schultz; and daughter-in-law Geri Wilke.

Darlene is survived by her five sons, Ronald Wilke of Deer River, Thomas (Teresita) Wilke of Parkers Prairie, Joel Wilke of Miltona, Brian (Vickie) Wilke of Joliet, Illinois, and Lee Wilke of Miltona; five daughters, Connie Meyer-Schultz of Argos, Indiana, Carol (Timothy) Larson, Vickie (Larry) Roberts both of Parkers Prairie, Theresa (Dennis) Klimek of Brandon, and Cindy (Dwain) Cheeseman of Boerne, Texas; 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lucille (Vincent) Schoeneck of Alexandria, Vergene Uhde of Parkers Prairie, and LaNell (Richard) Schlosser of Miltona; two brothers, Harold (Barb) Guenther of Leaf Valley and Mark (Lynn) Guenther of Starbuck; along with many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are her grandsons.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of St. William’s Living Center, McCornell Courts, and Hospice of Douglas County for their exceptional care.

Memorials are preferred to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Cemetery.