Don Irving Wilke, 94 of Elkader passed away Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at the Elkader Care Center in Elkader.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with a visitation from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, conducted by Pastor Paula Anderson.

He was born Sept. 16, 1931, to Elmer and Carrie (Cook) Wilke.

On Sept. 8, 1957, Don was united in marriage with Thelma Kleppe at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian. Four children were born to this union. Don was a lifelong farmer. He loved being outdoors, fishing, hunting, trapping and working in the garden. He was passionate about growing the biggest produce. Don had a favorite John Deere 2510 tractor. He loved all animals, especially dogs. He enjoyed playing cards with the card club and was always ready to tell a good joke.

Surviving Don are his wife of 68 years, Thelma Wilke; children, Jerry (Denise) Wilke of Elkader, Jean (Lee) Wiskus of Colesburg, Lois (Kenny) Weber of Volga and Debbie Wilke of Elkader; grandchildren, Matthew Wilke, Kendra Wilke, Stephanie (Josh) Woodworth, Shelley Wiskus, Stacey (Phil) Moore and Kyle Weber; great-grandchildren, Madison Kieffer, Sophia Kieffer, Everley Moore, Grayson Moore and Aubrey Moore; step-great-grandchildren, Riley Woodworth and Kaylynn Woodworth; sister-in-law, Merilee Kleppe, and several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Arno Wilke, sister-in-law, Wilma Wilke; brothers-in-law, Arnie Kleppe and Clarion Kleppe; nephews, Bill Wilke and Bill Little, niece, Melissa Wilke and grandsons, Ross Wilke and Ryan Wilke.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with services.