David "Dave" D. Wilke

David “Dave” Donald Wilke, age 62, of Ripon, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

Dave was born July 19, 1961 in Ripon, WI, son of Donald and Florene (Ketteler) Wilke. He worked on the farm he was raised on. After he graduated high school Dave took part in a farming program. He married his wife, Terri Rocheleau on September 21, 1991. Together they formed Wilke Farms LLC where he raised various crops and holstein beef. 

Dave was dedicated to many organizations. He was an active member of the Equity Livestock Board, President of the Fairwater Historical Society, Markesan FFA Alumni Association, National Council of Farmers Cooperatives, East Central Benefit Tractor Cruise, and board member of the Farm Bureau. As a Farm Bureau member, he teamed up with the Green Lake Association and implemented a yearly farm field day for the Green Lake Watershed project. He attended the WI Chapter 4 Farmall Frolic where he proudly showed his Farmall Super C tractor.

Not only was Dave a dedicated farmer and volunteer in his community, he cherished time spent with his family. He enjoyed playing bingo with his grandson, Trenton, going to farm auctions with the grandkids, and seeing tractor shows or parades. Dave’s life was guided by his close relationship with God and his love for the land.

Dave is survived by his wife, Terri Wilke; son, Sean (Amber) Wilke; daughter, Nichole (special friend, Dave) Wilke; grandchildren, Laylin, Lucy, Roslyn, Cameron, Cadence, Ryley, and Trenton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald (Florene) Wilke; and brother, Mark Wilke.

Visitation for Dave will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971, and again from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church, W3278 Co Rd K, Markesan, WI 53946.

 A funeral service for Dave will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Gary Zacharias officiating. You may view a livestream of Dave's service by visiting THIS LINK. Interment will follow at Mackford Union Cemetery, Markesan. A memorial is being established in Dave’s name.