John Wilke, age 69 of East Bethel, died March 4, 2021 at his home. A visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. on Monday, March 8th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. The wake will start at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 10th and continue until the service Friday, March 12th at 1:00 PM at the Facility Center in Cass Lake.
John Henry Wilke was born March 5, 1951 to Merton and Dorothy (Lehman) Wilke in Janesville, Wisconsin. John enlisted in the Navy where he earned his GED. He served from March 18, 1969 and was honorably discharged on March 3, 1972. He then traveled for several years before he settled between Minneapolis and Cass Lake. John met the love of his life, Marilyn Thompson-Wilke, in 1978. They had 3 kids together, Jackie Daniels, Karla Thompson and Bill Thompson. He also had a son, Jason Wilke and daughter, Shelly Bollin from a previous marriage. John enjoyed life, his time with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was always a joy and a laugh. He loved hunting, fishing and making maple syrup.
John Henry Wilke of East Bethel passed away at his home on March 4, 2021 at the age of 69. He is survived by his daughters, Jackie Daniels, Karla Thompson, Shelly Bollin, Susan Daniels, Rhonda Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson; son, Jason Wilke; and many grandchildren. He also had some children that weren’t his but he felt like they were; sisters, Audrey Bollin, Kristi (Charlie) Lemire, Melissa (Tom) Bauer; brothers, Marvin Bylund and Jamie Bylund. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Thompson-Wilke; son, Bill Thompson; step-daughter, George Thompson; brothers, sisters, grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; and by many other relatives and friends.