Victoria Wilken

Victoria Marie Wilken, age 96, of Fisher, MN, died peacefully early Sunday morning, March 24, 2013, at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston. Victoria was born on April 27, 1916 at Fisher, and was one of 9 children of the union of August and Lydia (Beiswenger) Ross. She grew up on the family farm, was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher, and attended both country school and Fisher High School. She later worked with her parents on the farm, and helped care for the sick in the neighborhood. On February 16, 1944 Victoria was united in marriage to Ferdinand H. Wilken at Trinity Lutheran Church. Ferdinand was home on leave after returning safely from overseas duty in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII. Victoria was able to join him while he served the last year of his tour of duty at Malmstrom Air Force Base, near Great Falls, MT. Following his honorable discharge, the couple made their home in Fisher Township, where Ferdinand farmed. Together, they raised 4 children: Sylvia, Mylan, Loren, and Ruth. Victoria was a very devoted and caring wife, mother, and homemaker. She took pride in her vegetable garden; and her baking, cooking, and embroidery gave her great joy. Victoria was a lifelong member of Fisher's Trinity Lutheran Church, and held several offices in the Ladies Aid, including president, secretary, and mission service chairwoman. Sadly, Ferdinand passed away on July 12, 2002. She continued to make her home on the farm until coming to the Villa in March of 2009. Victoria's memory will be forever treasured by all who shared in her life. May she rest in peace. Loving family members include her 4 children and their spouses: Sylvia and The Rev. Richard Pape of Fairport, NY, Mylan and Gretchen Wilken of Las Vegas, NV, Loren Wilken of Fisher, MN, and Ruth and Jeff Bartlette of Naples, FL. She also leaves 2 grandchildren, David Pape of Rochester, NY and Sara (Richard) Tucker of Victor, NY; a step-grandchild, Jamie (Elizabeth) Jofre of Albuquerque, NM; 4 great-grandchildren: Zachary Pape and Morgan Pape of No. Tonawanda, NY, and Jackson Tucker and William Tucker of Victor, NY; a sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Roy Tulee of Salem, OR; a sister-in-law, Luverne Ross Smith of Crookston, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to Ferdinand, her beloved husband of 58 years, Victoria was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Harold Ross and Emil Ross; and 5 sisters: Lorraine Graves, Eileen Kiel, Enid Ross, Carol Ross, and Marlys Greinke.

The funeral service honoring the life of Victoria Marie Wilken will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at 10:30 am, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher, MN, with The Rev. Tim Winterstein, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Friday from 5-7:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service led by The Rev. Richard Pape. Visitation will also be at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, Fisher, in the spring.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

---

Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, March 29, 2013
Service
Saturday, March 30, 2013

Cemetery Details

Location