| Graduation Year | Class of 1971 |
| Date of Passing | Oct 16, 2014 |
| About | Wendy M. (Mayer) Hilke, 61, North Hudson, Wis., formerly of Barron, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at Hudson. Wendy was born Dec. 27, 1952, to Warren and Beatrice (Jordahl) Mayer at Aberdeen, S.D. She grew up in Aberdeen and Austin, Minn., and graduated from Austin High School with the class of 1971. She attended nursing classes and worked as a nurse’s assistant at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn., and St. Luke’s Hospital, Crosby, N.D. Wendy met the love of her life, John Hilke, while he was visiting some friends in Rochester. They dated two years when John proposed with the tab from a can of Coke (Wendy’s favorite beverage). Three months later, the two were united in marriage at Austin. The marriage was blessed with four children, Aaron, Elizabeth, Ryan and Kimberlee. Wendy raised their children and worked retail for the Herberger’s in Willmar, Minn. In 1989, the Hilke family settled in Barron. Wendy transferred to the Herberger’s in Rice Lake and eventually took a teller position at the Bank of Barron. Wendy and John made their final move to Hudson in 2001. Wendy was an incredible woman who opened her arms and welcomed everyone equally. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Wendy also loved baking and eating anything sweet. She made the best chocolate chip cookies, but also had a fully stocked candy drawer. Wendy enjoyed creative writing, gardening and canning tomatoes, vegetables and homemade jam. Surviving are children Aaron (Trina) of Hudson, Elizabeth (Chris) Schmitt of Hudson, Ryan of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Kimberlee of Beldenville; grandchildren Evan, Heather and Micah; a sister Renee (Terry) Olthoff; and many other relatives and dear friends. Wendy was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, from Bethel Lutheran Church, downtown Hudson. Visitation will be held an hour prior to services at the church. O’Connell Family Funeral Home, Hudson, is handling arrangements. |
