Evelyn Wilke, 93, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, July 1, 2024, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, July 8, at 10:30 AM, at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Columbus, with Rev. William Voelker officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, at Gass Haney Funeral Home and will continue Monday, from 9:30 AM until service time, at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Monday, at 10:15 AM, at the church. Private family interment will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church or to those of the family's choice.

Evelyn was born June 13, 1931, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Ernst and Louise (Otte) Korte.  She was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus.  On January 1, 1950, Evelyn was united in marriage to LaVern Wilke at Christ Lutheran Church, "starting the year out right by getting married."

Evelyn and LaVern made their home in the farming community around the Christ Lutheran area.  They were blessed with two daughters, Vicki and Diane.  After retiring from farming, the couple moved to Columbus.

Evelyn was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Ladies Aid, Altar Society, and adult Bible class. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children, grandkids, and great grandchildren.  She enjoyed gardening and having a shot of Phillips Blackberry Brandy every day.

Evelyn is survived by:
Daughter – Vicki (Sam) Hellbusch of Creston, NE
Granddaughter – Andrea (Mark) Kahle of Mattawan, MI
Great Grandchildren – Leyton & Autumn
Granddaughter – Jenna (Brad) Countryman of Richmond, TX
Great Grandchildren – Carter, Stella, and Mason
Granddaughter – Penny (Cole) Birkel of Loomis, NE
Great Grandchildren – Shiloh and Sterling
Granddaughter – Samantha (Daniel) Wietfeld of Leigh, NE
Great Grandchildren – Presley, Paxton, and Payne
Grandson – Boyd (Liz) Hellbusch of Columbus, NE
Great Grandchildren – Layne, Kyston, and Ellesyn
Daughter – Diane (Steve) Bruegger of Waxhaw, NC
Granddaughter – Jessica (Jason) Marton of Waxhaw, NC
Great Grandchildren – Jackson & Joshua
Granddaughter – Katy Schmidt of Waxhaw, NC
Great Grandchild – Kaleb
Sister – Dorothy Wurdeman of Seattle, WA
Sister-in-law – Arlene Wilke of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law – Marlene Wilke of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law – Elaine Korte of Columbus, NE
Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

Evelyn was preceded in death by:
Parents – Ernst and Louise Korte
Husband – LaVern Wilke
Grandson – Ryan Hellbusch
Brothers – Edgar (Evelyn) Korte, Elmer (Connie) Korte, PFC Allen Korte, Harry (Lois) Korte, Norman Korte
One Infant Sister
Brother-in-law – Willis Wurdeman