Donald Wilke

Donald O. Wilke February 9, 1926-May 18, 2019 Donald O. Wilke, 93, of La Porte, IN, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Trail Creek Place in Michigan City, Indiana. He was born February 9, 1926 in Michigan City, Indiana, the son of Otto Wilke and Blanche (Zeese) Wilke . Donald retired in 1988 after working for 30 years as a carpenter for Tonn and Blank Construction in Michigan City. He honorably served his county in the United States Marine Corps. during WWII, joining when he was only 16 years old. He was a member of the American Legion - Franklin Edward Skwiat Post 451 of Michigan City, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 980 of Michigan City, Fraternal Order of Police of Michigan City, and a member of the First Christian Church. Donald was one of few men that took part in constructing the steeples at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Michigan City. He enjoyed carpentry, gardening, making jig-saw puzzles for family, and visiting the Four Winds and Blue Chip Casinos. He also loved cooking for friends and family making potato bread, meatloaf, and barbecue ribs. On May 21, 1971, in La Porte, IN, he married E. Romaine (Clark) Wilke who preceded in death January 6, 2003. He is survived by his three daughters, Linda (Lonnie) Hancock of Michigan City, IN, Carol (Larry) McKeever of MN, Terri (Dan) Stachowiak of La Porte, IN; son, Phillip (Ellen) Wilke of MI; eight grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by both his parents; 1st wife, Elaine Wilke; two sisters, Emma Jean Kinsey and Virginia Holtzlander, brother, Charles Wilke; daughter, Suzanne E. Meece; two grandsons, Nicholas Keller and Eric Wilke. Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. A life celebration will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, Inc., Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bill Moxey officiating. Interment will follow at the Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, IN at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN, 46637. Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald O. Wilke please visit our Sympathy Store.