Wilhelm, LeRoy C.

LeRoy C. Wilhelm, 83, of Epworth, died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center Critical Care unit, Cedar Rapids. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, where a vigil service will be held at 4 p.m. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Epworth. Burial: St. Paul Cemetery, Worthington. The Rev. Dennis Cain will officiate.

LeRoy was born Dec. 29, 1928, the son of John and Esther (Lentner) Wilhelm, at home near Cascade. He graduated from St. Paul High School in Worthington with the class of 1946 and enlisted in the Army, serving from 1946-1948. He married Arlene Sudmeier in 1950. Together they farmed for about 25 years near Manchester, where they raised 12 children. He married Helen Brown in Epworth in 1984. She preceded him in death. LeRoy and Helen operated Harbor Place Antiques in Dubuque. He enjoyed antiques, fishing, getting skinned in cards, gambling and a good martini.

Survivors include 12 children of whom LeRoy was very proud: Dave Wilhelm of Manchester, Diane Wilhelm-Johnson (Stephen) of Port Washington, Wis., Donna (Richard) Lintern of Mentor, Ohio, Mike (Rhonda) Wilhelm of Manchester, Mary (Mike) Knipper of Dyersville, Tom (Joleen) Wilhelm of Manchester, Vicki (Brian) Rehnstrom of Marion, Steve Wilhelm of Bad Vilbel, Germany, Ann (Rick) Pech of Winthrop, Kate (Dan) McNeal of Cedar Rapids, Phil Wilhelm (Kelly) of Hiawatha and Gary Wilhelm of Cedar Rapids; 22 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Anna Jane.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Andrew Knipper in 2009; and a brother, John.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Published Feb. 25, 2012 in The Gazette