1944
2017
Merle E. Wilken Jr., 73 of Emerald, Nebraska, passed away Monday , June12, 2017, at his home with his wife of 50 years at his side. Merle was a natural born hunter, loved the wind in his face riding his Harley (for more than 40 yrs) and the joy of being with family and friends.
Merle was born in Lincoln, and has lived his entire life in the Lincoln area. Graduating from University High School in 1962. An avid Husker fan, proud to call Nebraska home. Would prefer traveling any country road in Nebraska as to being anywhere outside her borders.
Merle was a lifetime member of NRA, a lifetime member of The Harley Owners Group (HOG) serving as the first director of the Lincoln Frontier Chapter and 6 years following.
A longtime supporter of the Nebraska Game and Parks hunting and fishing program.
He served on the Malcolm Volunteer Fire/EMT Dept. for 20 years.
Survived by his wife Elizabeth (Susie), Lincoln, daughter Michelle, Dallas, TX, grandson Dalton, Lincoln, sister Beverly, (Roger) Morgan, Lincoln, brother-in-law Mike (Cathy) Gorka, Lincoln.
Preceded in death by his father and mother, Merle Sr., and Jo Wilken, his son Gabe T. Wilken
Celebration of Life 3:00 PM, Friday, June 16, 2017, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 So. 14th
Memorials in care of the family for future designation
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.
June 16, 2017
Cal Wilken
Sue and family; sorry for your loss. I remember often going with mom and dad (Alvin and Betty Wilken) to Emerald. A favorite.. always thinking of the restaurant/bar there... was how well prepared salads with anchovies. Deep sympathy, Cal Wilken
June 15, 2017
vickie and steve hill
We are sorry to hear of your loss, merle was a wonderful man. We will miss him.
June 14, 2017
ABATE of Nebraska District 2
ABATE of Nebraska, District 2, recognizes the great loss to the Motorcycling Community represented by Merle's death. This family has contributed much to those that ride on 2 wheels, and we sympathize with you Susie, and with your extended family. Thank you for sharing so much of your family with us over the years.
June 14, 2017
Beverly Edson
We were friends so many years ago and there are a lot of good memories of Merle and the family, especially Bev, we were very close once. Sending my deepest sympathy to the whole family.
June 14, 2017
Holly Fuss-Adams
Susie and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. So many wonderful memories through the decades of knowing JR. and you all. He will be missed by so many. My prayers lifted for you all.
June 14, 2017
I met Merle the last time I was in Nebraska visiting my Uncle Alvin Wilken and Aunt Betty. My mother was Tilda Wilken Schramm. My condolences to you and your family. Merle sounds like a very unique person. Sharon Schramm Valinoti, Lodi, CA.
June 14, 2017
Larry Morgan
Susie, my condolences for the loss of JR. The few times i was with Roger I enjoyed the times we spent with JR!! May God wrap his peace around you and your family. Larry Morgan
June 14, 2017
Ryan Osborn
Dear Wilken Family,
I so sorry to hear of Merle passing away. He was loved by all who met him. May your memories of family and friends help you through this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
June 14, 2017
Michael Kratochvil
My sympathies to the family.
June 14, 2017
Tamera Ward
My heart aches for Susie, Dalton, Michelle and family, I am so sorry for your loss. JR was respected and appreciated by many and will always be remembered. Please except our deepest sympathy, Tamera Ward and Rick Rosenau
June 14, 2017
Vicki Piening
Susie and Family, May hope sustain you, Friends surround you, And love give you strength. May it bring you solace to know how many lives have been deeply touched by Merle.
May those beautiful yesterdays always remain in your heart, and your sorrow gently fade away.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Stuart & Vicki
June 14, 2017
Roger Uttecht
My condolences to Susie for the loss of JR. I have many memories of him and Susie over the years. He was a great man and I always enjoyed talking to him. He and Gabe can now ride the back roads of Heaven together.
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