Jerry Dean Wilke

Jerry Dean Wilke, 91, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born on August 18, 1934, in Cape Girardeau County, to Herbert L. and Alma E. Hauenschild Wilke. He and LaVern Sides were married January 24, 1958, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

Jerry attended school in Tilsit. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit before transferring to St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1958.

He was employed at Superior Electric for 29 years, worked at Lenco, and later retired from Rubbermaid in 1999. Jerry enjoyed mowing with good friend Don and camping with family and friends at Arrowhead Campground. Whether it was at the house or on the ballfield, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, LaVern Wilke of Jackson; children, Brad and special friend Donna of Scott City; Mark Wilke of Tilsit; Linda Randolph of Jackson; and; grandchildren, Johnny (Pam) Carter, Eric (Teresa) Wilke, of Cape Girardeau, Heather (Brandon) Hinkle of Dutchtown; Zachary Randolph of Jackson; great-grandchildren; Anna and Olivia Wilke, Reese and Breanna Carter, Noah Hinkle.

Also surviving is a brother, Eugene Wilke; his-in-laws, Ella Mae Kuntze, Verla Wille; Paul and Carolyn Sides; serval nieces and nephews, and family friend Hank Baker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 grandsons Blake Wilke and Brian Lee Randolph; son-in-law, Brian Randolph; brother, LeRoy (Alberta) Wilke; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Kuntze and Clement Wille.

Visitation is from 3pm-7pm Sunday April 26, 2026, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and from 10am-11am Monday April 27, 2026, at St Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct the funeral service at 11am, Monday, April 27, at the church. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests St. Paul Lutheran Church or School in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath Jerry’s obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com.