#1-Printed in the February 16, 2021 Omaha World Herald

Jerry Wilke passed away at home surrounded by his family at age 67. Jerry was born in Omaha, NE to Walter and Gladys (Nelson) Wilke. He was the youngest of 5 children. He attended Benson High School in Omaha graduating in 1971. He then attended Dana College in Blair, NE graduating in 1975 with a degree in Social Services.

Jerry married Sandra Josephsen and they lived in Blair for 38 years and had two children. Jerry owned a bicycle shop in Blair for many years, as he had an avid love of cycling. Throughout the years he also worked at Nannen-Harte Physical Therapy as a tech and at First Lutheran church as the Praise Band Leader.

Jerry eventually moved to Kansas City, MO and lived there with his wife, Jenny Lind for the last 15 years. He worked at the Trek bicycle store in Kansas City, before retiring in 2018. He also enjoyed doing volunteer work with animals at Fopas, Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter. Jerry was best known for his love of cycling, singing, and being an amazing grandfather.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandy Foral; brother-in-law, George (Jack) Foral. Jerry is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jenny Lind; his children, Ben Wilke (Angela Probasco) and Melissa Epley (James), whom he shared with former spouse, Sandra Josephsen; bonus children, Sarah Custer (Codi Willard), Amanda Custer (Keith Johnson) and Brent Custer (Alice Pollack); grandchildren, Mason and Audrey Epley; bonus grandchildren, Einar and Myrna Johnson and Kenickie Custer; siblings, Del Wilke (Teri), Cindy Anderson (Steve), and Denise Farmer (George); along with many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

A Service will be held virtually and a Celebration of Life will be planned for the summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Lind family.

#2-Published in the Pilot-Tribune February 16, 2021

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Jerry Wilke passed away at home surrounded by his family at age 67.

Jerry was born in Omaha, NE to Walter and Gladys (Nelson) Wilke. He was the youngest of 5 children. He attended Benson High School in Omaha graduating in 1971. He then attended Dana College in Blair, NE graduating in 1975 with a degree in Social Services. Jerry married Sandra Josephsen and they lived in Blair for 38 years and had two children. Jerry owned a bicycle shop in Blair for many years, as he had an avid love of cycling. Throughout the years he also worked at Nannen-Harte Physical Therapy as a tech and at First Lutheran church as the Praise Band Leader.

Jerry eventually moved to Kansas City, MO and lived there with his wife, Jenny Lind for the last 15 years. He worked at the Trek bicycle store in Kansas City, before retiring in 2018. He also enjoyed doing volunteer work with animals at Fopas, Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter. Jerry was best known for his love of cycling, singing, and being an amazing grandfather.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sandy Foral & brother-in -law George (Jack) Foral. Jerry is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jenny Lind; his children, Ben Wilke (Angela Probasco) & Melissa Epley (James), whom he shared with former spouse, Sandra Josephsen. Bonus children; Sarah Custer (Codi Willard), Amanda Custer (Keith Johnson) & Brent Custer (Alice Pollack); grandchildren Mason & Audrey Epley; bonus grandchildren Einar & Myrna Johnson & Kenickie Custer; Siblings Del Wilke (Teri), Cindy Anderson (Steve), and Denise Farmer (George), along with many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. A service will be held virtually and a celebration of life will be planned for the summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Lind family.

Funeral: A service will be held virtually and a celebration of life will be planned for the summer.

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska. ~~~