Kathryn M. Wilka

Kathryn Mathilda Wilka, age 95 passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Peabody Retirement Home, New Manchester, IN. She was born November 19, 1928, in Graytown, Ohio and graduated from Harris Elmore High School in 1946. She married Richard H. Wilka on April 17, 1948, in Elmore and he preceded her in death on March 5, 1977.

She led an active life and had a strong work ethic. As a farmer's daughter she worked in the fields alongside her siblings. During her high school years, she worked part-time for neighbors and friends and at the former Elmore Basket Factory. After graduation she worked at different companies in Toledo. After marriage she was a homemaker for several years before returning to work at several local companies, including the Genoa Area Schools as a secretary - over the years working at all four schools. Her last employment was at Genoa Motors retiring in 2001 at the age of 72, after 30 years of service.

Retirement included volunteering at St. Charles Hospital for several years as well traveling to visit friends and family, visiting most of the 48 adjacent states and trips to Germany, Italy, Canada and Mexico. Kathryn had many other interests to fill her days - she was an excellent seamstress making clothes not only for her family but for many others including wedding and bridesmaid dresses. She loved playing cards with friends and enjoyed cooking and baking for family gatherings and friends.

She was an active participant in her church and community activities. As a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Williston, Ohio, she served in a variety of positions including on the church board, The Women of the Church, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday School. Kathryn was a strong advocate for 4-H in Ottawa county serving as a 4-H leader in Allen Township for over 20 years as well as serving on various county committees and projects promoting 4-H. She was honored to be the first delegate selected from Ottawa county to attend the National 4-H Convention in Washington D.C.

Survivors include: daughter Suzanne of San Diego, CA, son Donald (Hannelore) of Warsaw, IN. granddaughters Nicole (David) Porter of Winona Lake, IN, Adrienne Miller of Noblesville, IN. grandson Eric (Meghan Buchanan) Wilka of Opelika, AL. Great granddaughters Abbigail, Clara and Elizabeth Porter, Else, Mallory and Rosalie Miller and great grandson Vaughn Miller. And many caring loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents - William A. H. Lemke and Eva B. (Sampson) Lemke, husband Richard, daughter Lori Jean, sisters - May, Ruth, Irene, Lois, and Lucille, brothers - John, Richard, Walter and Paul.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, Williston, Ohio, with visitation beginning at 11:00am followed by the service at 12:00 noon. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed live on the church Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/stjohnwilliston. Interment in Allen Township Cemetery will immediately follow the service with a light meal served afterwards at the church for family and friends to gather.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, 21140 W. Toledo St. Williston OH or The Ottawa County 4-H Endowment Fund - 240 W. Lake St., Unit C, Oak Harbor, OH 43449. The Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Genoa, Ohio are assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.