Gladys D. Wilkes

Gladys D. Wilkes, age 97, of Ripon, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Prairie Place in Ripon.

Gladys was born on November 12, 1927 in Rosendale, WI, daughter of Lorenz and Leona (Siedschlag) Daehn. She attended school in Rosendale and in 1948 married Warren Wilkes at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Waupun, WI. They were married 67 years when he passed away in 2015. Gladys and Warren had a dairy farm and there was nothing on the farm she couldn’t do. She was a hard worker and took pride in what she did. Later in life she worked many part time jobs that kept her busy. She loved the many trips her and Warren took in their motorhome over the years. In her spare time Gladys enjoyed baking and was very good at it. She also enjoyed a good game of Bingo. More than anything, Gladys cherished her time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was a devoted member of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon and was involved with the Evening Guild, Married Couples Club, and taught Sunday School for several years.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Gary) Lieske of Ripon, WI; a son, Ronald (Diana) Wilkes of Florence, CO; daughter-in-law, Darlene Wilkes of Berlin, WI; grandchildren, Jackie (Russell) Bogucke of Ripon, WI, Kevin (Jennifer) Lieske of Ripon, WI, Heidi (Kevin) Behnke of Black Creek, WI, Julie (Matt) Sroka of Berlin, WI, Sarah Hubred of Montello, WI, and Devon, Cody, Brooke, and Aaron; great-grandchildren, Hanna, Mitchell, Rebecca, Ben, Declan, Ian, Andrew, Anna, Katie, Ronnie, Jenna, Karlotta, Sophia, Cecelia, Estella, Michael, Amelia, Levi, and Carissa; great-great grandchildren, Alonzo, Sebastian, Solana, Rosalie, Oliver, Elliot, and Amelia; along with many nieces; nephews; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Wilkes; parents, Lorenz and Leona Daehn; a brother, Edwin Daehn; and sisters, Marion Pitzlin, Arlis Jahns and Beverly Walker.

Visitation for Gladys will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Gladys will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. Memorials in her name may be directed to “Called to Care” at the church, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Gladys’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Prairie Place and SSM Health at Home Hospice for their wonderful care of Gladys over the years.