Marlene Wilke, 90, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, April 21, 2025, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 24, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Thursday, from 9:00 AM until service time, at the church. There will be a family prayer service at 9:45 AM, on Thursday, at the church. Interment will be in Christ Lutheran Cemetery, rural Columbus.  In lieu of flowers, statues, stones, etc., memorials are suggested to the Columbus Hospital Foundation or Mission Central.  The service will be live streamed through the church at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM53vcH0MlHkcuQ8la__b3g/live

Marlene Mae Wilke was born June 24, 1934, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Emil and Hulda (Cattau) Mueller.  She was baptized, confirmed, and received her elementary education at St. John's Lutheran Church, LCMS.  Marlene graduated from Kramer High School and on April 26, 1953, was united in marriage to Milton Wilke at St. John's Lutheran Church.  Marlene was a homemaker and farm wife who loved to cook and became an excellent seamstress.  She sold Avon for a number of years earning many awards.

Marlene enjoyed going to her children's and grandchildren's activities.  She loved Nebraska sports holding season Cornhusker tickets for several years, Creighton Bluejays, and Kansas City Royals.  She was named "Volunteer of the Year" for Lutheran Family Services and did volunteer work at Columbus Community Hospital for 25 years.  Marlene enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and traveling.  She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was a member of LWML and had served as the funeral receptionist for several years.  Marlene had also been a member of Christ Lutheran LWML and Ladies Aid.

Marlene is survived by:
Son – Kurt (Rita) Wilke of Columbus, NE
Grandson – Brook (Emily) Wilke; Charlie, Wendell, and Lily
Grandson – Dustin (Jodie) Wilke; Marlowe
Daughter – Susie (Marvin) Shalon of Columbus, NE
Grandson – Trevor (Sara) Shalon; Addie and Ronin
Grandson – Heath (Tara) Shalon; Walker and Lane
Daughter – Joanie (Milt) Roddy of Columbus, NE
Grandson – Riley Roddy
Daughter – Jaci (Lyle) Vancura of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter – Schalise Vancura (Erryn Ross)
Grandson – Brady (Kayla) Vancura; Reese and Nelly
Brother – Don (JoAnn) Mueller of Greeley, CO
Sister – Dori (Ralph) Beecham of Kimberling City, MO
Sister-in-law – Mary Gail Mueller of Phoenix, AZ

Marlene was preceded in death by:
Parents – Emil and Hulda Mueller
Husband – Milton Wilke
Brother – Darrell Mueller