Wilbur D. Willeke, age 93, of Ada, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Vancrest of Ada.
He was born on November 7, 1930 in Dunkirk, Ohio to the late Glenn and Hester (Wilcox) Willeke. On August 24, 1952 Wilbur married Wilma A. Boecher and she survives in Ada.
Wilbur retired from Excello/Airfoil Textron where he worked as a machinist for thirty-eight years. After retirement, he volunteered by driving the bus for the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton for many years. Wilbur also volunteered at Lima Memorial Health System. He was a lifelong member of the St. John Lutheran Church, Dola. Wilbur was an avid fan of the Ohio Northern University Polar Bears and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
Also surviving are two sons: Mark (Jane) Willeke of Findlay and Brian (Kathi) Willeke of Lima; two daughters: Sheryl (Bryan) Portz of Strongsville and Linda Willeke of Delaware; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren and one due in March; a brother, Larry (Judy) Willeke of Ashburn, VA; and three sisters: Wanda Yoerg of Amherst, NY, Carol Windau of Crestview, FL and Joyce Willeke of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Stephen Paul; and a sister, Gladys Restle.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 at the St. John Lutheran Church, 5015 County Road 115, Dola, Ohio 45835 with Rev. Steven Ramsey officiating. Burial will be in Dola Cemetery, Dola.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 5015 County Road 115, Dola, Ohio 45835.
