Kilker, George Francis 1927-2008

KILKER, ROERIG, SCHLEIS

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/24/2008 at 21:08:55

George Kilker, 80, of Oyens, died Monday February. 11, 2008 at his home, following a brief illness.

George Francis Kilker, Jr. was born Dec. 6, 1927, in Le Mars, the son of George Kilker Sr. and Barbara (Roerig) Kilker. He grew up near Le Mars and attended St. Joseph's Catholic School. He entered into the service with the U.S. Army in 1951. In 1953 he was honorably discharged and returned home to Le Mars. George married Helen Schleis on Oct. 26, 1955, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Le Mars.

George worked a few years in construction in Minnesota. Returning to Le Mars, he worked for Criswell Electric from 1961 to 1991. He continued to be the electrician and grounds keeper for the Plymouth County Fair until 2007. During his retirement years George worked as a dishwasher and food server for the children at St. Catherine's School in Oyens until January of this year.

George was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church and the church choir. He was a member of the American Legion, Wasmer Post #241 and the Korean War Last Man's Club. George served on the Oyens town council for several years and also was the mayor for one term. He was a past fire chief and member of the Oyens Volunteer Fire Department.

George was an avid Cubs fan. He enjoyed spending time on his front porch, watching the Cubs games and watching over the town of Oyens. He enjoyed people and being a part of the fair. He had a great sense of humor that he shared with everyone.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helen; three daughters and their families: Lynne and Ken Hoffman of Merrill, Sue and Steve Kommes and Beth and Bruce Koerselman of Le Mars; eight grandchildren: Eric and Erin Hoffman of Merrill, Kellie Bollin, Jon and Stacey Kommes and Katy, Konner and Kody Koerselman of Le Mars; two great-grandchildren: Brenna and Braden Bollin; a sister Rosemary Liesner of Remsen; a sister-in-law Lorraine Kilker of Le Mars; a brother-in-law Jim Wolf and his wife Arlene of Remsen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters: Elizabeth Meis, Margaretta Wolf, Xaveris Fiedler, Barbara Ellen Kilker, Kathryn Fiedler and Maxine Rolling; and three brothers: Donald, Robert, and Leonard Kilker.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Oyens, with the Rev. Eugene Murray presiding. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion, Wasmer Post #241.

Visitation at the Feuerstein Funeral Home in Le Mars will be anytime after 2 p.m. Thursday, where there will be a parish rosary at 3 p.m. and a vigil prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Eric Hoffman, Tim Kilker, Hank Campbell, Rich Steffen, Mike Wolf and Kirk Rolling. Honorary pallbearers will be Erin Hoffman, Katy, Konner and Kody Koerselman, Kellie and Jeremy Bollin, and Jon and Stacey Kommes.

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel 2/13/2008