John T. Wilke, age 66, of Neenah, WI, was called to his Eternal Home on Sunday, May 13, 2007. He was born January 10, 1941 in Racine, WI to John J. (Jack) and Helen (Anderson) Wilke. He graduated from Racine Park High School (1959), received degrees in Agricultural Engineering and Civil Engineering from UW-Madison (1965), and received his Master's Degree in Water Resources Management from UW- Madison (1967).

John worked for Harza Engineering in Chicago (1965-1966) and then the State of Wisconsin, Division of Resource Development (now DNR) (1967-1969). He worked for the State of Washington Health Department, Sanitary Engineering (1969-1973) and then for the City of Neenah, Public Works Department as a City Engineer until he retired after 28 years (1974-2002). He was a member of the Winnebago County Solid Waste Management Board for over 25 years, and also served on a committee that wrote the recycling laws for the State of Wisconsin.

After dedicating his life to the Lord in 1972, John became involved in many different ministries. He was a member of the Gideons since 1977 and was also a part of the Winnebago County Jail Ministry. John helped with computer programs and donations at International Children's Fund, Neenah. He was active in various churches, both as a small group leader and participating in men's Bible studies, and also attending a weekly men Bible study at S Direct in downtown Neenah.

John was married to Jill (Evans) Wilke on August 26, 1967. This year would have been their 40th wedding anniversary. Together they loved to spend time with their family through camping trips, canoeing, playing music, reading the Bible and praying together, and sharing in laughter. John is also survived by his 3 sons and 1 daughter: Andy and his wife, Sarah and their children, Anna and Jackson of Las Cruces, NM; Carl and his wife, Catherine and their children, Nora, Eileen, Helen and Cornelius of Madison, WI; Dave and his wife, Melissa and their son, Moses of Sheboygan, WI; Liz and her husband, Steve Arnold of LaCrosse, WI. A brother-in-law, Paul (Skip & Sharon) Evans, nephew, Scott Evans, and a niece, Kimberly Evans Johnson and their families further survive him. His parents preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be held at Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oak Ridge Road, Neenah, WI on Tuesday, May 29 at 11 AM, with Pastor Harry Shields officiating. Friends may visit the family at the church on Monday, May 28, 4 to 8 PM, and again on Tuesday, May 29, 10 to 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 291, Neenah, WI 54956-0291

A special THANK YOU to our large, loving, Christian family who supported us with prayer, food, yard work, cleaning, visits, cards, emails, hugs, and tears.

Also a special THANK YOU to the wonderful staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton, WI who took excellent care of John and helped all of us on this journey.