Roland Ottmar Wilke

Roland Ottmar Benie Wilke died in his home on Wednesday, September 18, 2013.

Roland was born on September 26, 1932 to Charles and Helene (Puhlman) Wilke in Orange Grove, Texas. He was the sixth child of 10 children, two brothers and seven sisters. He attended school in Alfred Texas.

Roland was a veteran in the US Army for three years from 1952 - 1955, where he met his future brother-in-law, Dale Bailey. This resulted in the marriage to his wife, Lola Mae Bailey on March 10, 1954 in North Platte. They were married for nearly 60 years.

Roland loved his family. He was always anxious to see his wife (El Dorado, Trenton) and his boys and grandkids.

He loved fishing and more than that, he enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews along. As well as eating fried catfish. His favorite spot was at Camp Hayes. Making that a regular trip to Nebraska every chance he could. Lola’s family became his own and were very near to him. They made many fond memories together.

Roland loved to tell stories of his childhood in Texas, working on a peanut farm and his life with his siblings. There’s no better barbecue anywhere but Texas from his point of view. He kept in regular touch with his sisters, and yearned to see them before passing away.

Roland was a very strong, independent man who was able to care for himself for many years after losing his legs.

He is survived by his wife, Lola of Trenton; sons Marvin and wife, Kim of McCook, Melvin and wife, Debbie of Castle Rock, CO; five sisters, Lucille Mosley, IdaMae Schulz, Ruby Lee Wieding, Elsie Retzloff and RoseMarie Kaiser all of Texas; five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter; nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Helene Wilke; brothers, Benno Wilke, Marvin (Jockey) Wilke; sisters, Lillian Sadowski, and Doris who died at the young age of 12.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 23, 2013, 2:30 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Marvin Wilke offering words of comfort. Burial will be in the Culbertson Cemetery

Memorials may be given in his name.