Obituary: Evelyn Wilke

By Door County Pulse , Peninsula Pulse – October 28th, 2019

June 28, 1925 – Oct. 26, 2019

Evelyn Wilke, 94, of the Town of Sevastopol died at Sturgeon Bay Health Services.

She was born Madonna Evelyn Haberlie on June 28, 1925 in Sturgeon Bay, the daughter of George August Haberlie and Emma (Brauer) Haberlie. Evelyn graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1943.

She married Raymond “Bud” Joseph Bongle on May 16, 1945. Bud died suddenly on May 31, 1963. Evelyn married Harold August Wilke on December 15, 1965. Harold died on March 20, 1995.

Evelyn started working for the Bank of Sturgeon Bay (later Baylake Bank) while still in high school, initially as a teller and then in other departments. She also worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in California in 1945 when she and Bud moved while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. She returned to Sturgeon Bay and continued working for the Bank of Sturgeon Bay as a teller and worked in every department in the bank during her career there. Evelyn was a familiar face at Bank of Sturgeon Bay/Baylake Bank for more than 66 years.

Outside of work, she was a private person, but she did enjoy bowling in leagues for more than 40 years. Evelyn liked to travel, initially with Bud, and then liked taking bus trips with Harold. With her green thumb, she enjoyed caring for her plants, which filled her home. Evelyn took wonderful care of her vehicles; they were always gently used with low miles and not usually driven out in the rain. On those days, she’d ride along with Harold.

Evelyn will be missed by her daughter, Nancy (Mark) Lake of Sturgeon Bay; one grandson, Torry (fiancé Laura) Lake of Green Bay; two great-grandchildren, Alexandria and Patrick; other relatives; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; special friend, Jack Gilson; infant brother, David Haberlie; and other relatives.

Evelyn’s life will be honored with a mass of Christian burial on Thursday, Oct. 31, 11 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay, with Fr. Ron Colombo as celebrant. Evelyn will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 30, 4-7 pm, at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay, with a parish wake service to be held at 7 pm. Visitation will continue Oct. 31, 9:30-11 am, at the church.

Memorials may be given in Evelyn’s name to Neighbor-to-Neighbor Volunteer Caregivers of Door County or DOOR CANcer.

“Thank you to the staff at Sturgeon Bay Health Services for caring for Mom this past year and also to Dr. Paul Board and his staff.”

Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Evelyn can be shared through her tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.