Charles Henry Wilke, 94, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Heritage Center. Charles was born in Evansville, Indiana on September 21, 1927 to the late Charles and Ella (Davidson) Wilke. He graduated from Reitz High School and honorably served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon returning from the war, Charles married the love of his life, Myrna. Together they raised three wonderful children and celebrated 64 years of marriage before her passing in 2011. Charles was a member of Twin Towers, VFW #1114 and a lifelong member of the Pit Barbell Club and West Side Christian Church. He was a talented artist and has over a dozen pieces displayed throughout Evansville. Charles was a sports fan and especially enjoyed following Reitz High School, Notre Dame, Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed collecting model trains. Above all else, Charles was a family man. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. Charles is survived by his daughters, Marcia Dennison (Fred) of Evansville, IN and Janel Bagby (Brent) of Evansville, IN; son, Bruce Wilke (Christine) of St. Joseph, MI; sister, Margie Wellmeier (Dale) of Evansville, IN, grandchildren, Brooke Penrod (Mike), Brad Dennison, Patty Fettig (Clint), Blaire Bagby, Logan Wilke (Michelle), Aaron Wilke (Katie), Laura Earley (Ben) and Brock Bagby; 13 great-grandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Myrna (Parker) Wilke; sister, Thelma Dowdle; brother, Millard Wilke; and by his parents. A celebration of Charles' life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 with Pastor Jerry Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Alexander Memorial Park where the Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military honors. Friends may visit from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Browning Funeral Home and again from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian Church, 1200 N. Red Bank Rd., Evansville, IN 47720, to the VFW Post #1114, 110 N. Wabash Avenue of Flags, Evansville, IN 47712 or to the Salvation Army, 1040 N. Fulton Ave., Evansville, IN 47710. The family would like to thank the staff at the Heritage Center and Heritage Hospice for their compassionate care. Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.

Published in The Evansville Courier & Press