Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

WILKEN

Deisinger

Grahm

Pye

Ransberger

Skene

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – April 2, 2006

Louis A. Wilken
April 5, 1930 - March 30, 2006

Louis A. Wilken, 75, of Mishawaka, passed away at 7:04 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2006, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Louis was born on April 5, 1930, in Mishawaka, to Wilbur and Julia Wilken. He married Mary C. Ransberger on April 6, 1951, who passed away on December 27, 2002. Louis was reunited with Mary, his lifelong companion, whom he deeply missed. Louis was also preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Julia Wilken, and by a sister, Julia Skene.

He is survived by one son, Kevin Wilken of Mishawaka; one daughter, Karen Deisinger, and her fiancé, Don Pye of Dowagiac; four grandchildren, Austin Wilken, Karey Wilken, Genavine Wilken and Destiny Deisinger.

Louis, a veteran of the United States Army, served during the Korean War. He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union, Local 172, for 37 years. He was also an employee of Studebaker before they went out of business. He was a lover of the outdoors, having had many adventures hunting. He collected stamps and coins, and was quite the handyman.

A private service has been planned for Louis with Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, in charge of arrangements. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.