Wilken, Menga 1898-1977

WILKEN, MILLER

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/7/2018 at 21:16:08

Menga Wilken

Menga Wilken daughter of Gerhart Wilken and Christina (Miller) Wilken was born on a farm in Plymouth County, Iowa on February 17, 1898.

When she was two years old, the family moved t a farm west of Akron in Union County. Her mother passed away in 1920.

Following a farm sale, Menga spent much time in the Ed Lewison home, the Ball home and the Naome Schneiderhinze home helping with household task. She loved to sew, and sewed for others as well as herself.

Menga was never physically strong, but cared for a garden, chickens and her home in her quiet and efficient way. She loved violets and became known for the array of bloom in her dining room window.

When her health declined further she entered the Morningside Manor nursing home at Alcester, S.D. in January 1975. She resided there until a fall resulting in a broken home, forced her to St. Joseph’s hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

Although she rallied from the surgery of March 29th, her body was not strong enough to withstand and she passed away there on April 5th, 1977.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

She leaves to mourn, her two brothers, Chris and George of Akron and one sister, Freda Ellsworth of Detroit, Michigan. Three nephews, Wayne Ellsworth of Tripp, S.D. Marvin Ellsworth of Detroit and Dallas Wilken of Akron and one niece, Illa Belle of Coldwater, Michigan.

Services for Menga were held at the Funeral Chapel and burial in Riverside Cemetery on April 8, 1977. Rev. Tiball of Methodist Church officiated. LARRY Johnson of Alcester,, accompanied by his daughter Lori, san the “Old Rugged Cross”.

Casket bearers were: Julius Ball, Melvin Nielsen, George Beeler, Albert Beeck, Elmer John and Henry Fickbohm.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, April 21, 1977
Akron, Iowa