James “Jim” L. Wilken, age 80 of New London, formerly of the Town of Union, Waupaca County passed away at his home Wednesday evening January 31, 2024.
James Lawrence Wilken was born on June 25, 1943 in Clintonville as the son of the late Lawrence and Delores (Schoepke) Wilken. He graduated from Clintonville High School in 1962 and went on to serve his country in the Army National Guard Red Arrow Division. On May 2, 1964 Jim was united in marriage to Nancy Janke at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Symco. The couple made their home in the Town of Union and became members of Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Bear Creek where Jim had served as a church elder. Jim spent 43 years and 8 months working as a welder and assembler for Seagrave FWD in Clintonville until his retirement. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and working in his shop in the garage. Jim was a big fan and past season ticket holder of the Green Bay Packers. He was proud of both of his boys and cherished each of his grandchildren.
Survivors include: His Wife: Nancy
Sons: Steve (Annette) Wilken & Scott (Christine) Wilken.
Grandchildren: Kristy (Eric) Van Ark, Ryan Wilken, Nickolas (Gwen) Wilken, Jordan Wilken, Seth (Page) Wilken, and Casey Wilken.
Great-Grandchildren: Harley, Elijah, Aiden, Shawn, Anakin, Brady, Rosie, Carson, Gabriel, Harmony, Shelby, Kinley, Kenzie, Brielle, and Jaylan.
A brother: Ronald (Sue) Wilken.
Sisters-in-law & Brothers-in-law: Judy Wilken, Virginia (Jerry) Olsen, and Michael (Dorothy) Janke.
Also Jim’s life-long friend: Arden Patri.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Delores Wilken, in-laws Walter and Dorothy Janke, a brother Robert Wilken, and a brother-in-law William Janke.
Jim’s funeral service will be held Wednesday February 7, 2024 at 11am at the Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Bear Creek, Waupaca County with Rev. Aric Fenske officiating. Inurnment will take place at the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9am until the time of the service. Military honors will follow outside of the church by members of the Clintonville American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, and DAV Chapter 53. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Jim’s family. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com
“We will always carry your memory in our hearts.” Love and miss you Jim, dad, and grandpa.