Mr. Orville Wesley Wilke

It is with great sadness that the Family announces the death of Orville Wilke, peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on Saturday October 23, 2010 in his 90th year. Predeceased by his wife Lorene on November 16, 2003, Orville will always be dearly remembered by his daughter Cathie of Kitchener and his son Brent and his wife Annette of Andover, Minnesota. Grandpa’s memories will always be cherished by Becky, Joshua, Anna Lise, Sarah and Katlyn. Orville will also be lovingly remembered by his brother-in-law Albert Ellis and sisters-in-law Nina Wilke and Betty Meredith. Predeceased by his parents Emil and Anna Wilke (nee Gietz), his brothers Harold and Clifford and his wife Mary. Orville was the last surviving member of his family.

Orville Wilke owned and operated Wilke Movers in Waterloo from the late 1920’s until his retirement 70 some years later. Orville will also be fondly remembered as a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, the Food Shelf, the Canadian Cancer Society, and transporting people to and from church. Orville was a long time member of Parkminster United Church, past Grand Knight of the Grand River Masonic Lodge A.F and A.M., and along with his late wife was very active for many years in the Westmount Probus Club. He will be dearly missed by all of those whose lives he touched. Heartfelt thank you from the Family to the staff at Winston Park Retirement Home and the nurses on the 5th floor of St. Mary’s Hospital for the wonderful care that dad received.

The Wilke Family will receive friends at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King Street West, Kitchener on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Celebration of Life will be at Parkminster United Church on Wednesday October 27th at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Elaine Graham officiating. Cremation has taken place with scattering at Parkminster United Church immediately following the Celebration of Life. As expressions of sympathy donations to St. Mary’s Hospital or the Canadian Cancer society greatly appreciated. On line condolences may be made at www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com