Frances Wilken Obituary

Frances Mary Wilken, 97, of Elmhurst, passed away at 9:35 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2010 at St. Joseph's Home in Springfield. Frances was born on November 3, 1912 in Pekin, the daughter of Albert Joseph and Emma Barbara Wetzel Pitts. She married Herbert Julius Wilken on June 1, 1935 in Oak Park. He preceded her in death in 1993. Frances graduated from Pekin High School. She was a homemaker who devoted her life to her family. She also worked for Peacock Jewelers in Oak Brook. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Elmhurst Women's Club, Elmhurst Garden Club and the Elmhurst Hospital Guild. She enjoyed playing bridge, gardening and painting. She is also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dean Pitts. She is survived by her two sons, Robert (wife, Margaret) Wilken of Indianapolis, IN and Herbert (wife, Margaret) Wilken of Anderson, IN; her daughter, Carolyn Sue (husband, William) Donels of Springfield; nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a sister, Sr. Jeanette Pitts of Wheaton. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of a graveside ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Mt. Emblem Cemetery Chapel in Elmhurst. Burial will follow at Mt. Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst. Memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 345 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126. The family of Frances Mary Wilken is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit Frances's on-line life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.