Carl Wolken

CARL WOLKEN

Monticello

Carl Wolken, 96, died peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2017, at Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, with his wife, Betty, of nearly 75 years, by his side.

A celebration of Carl's life will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 17, at First Presbyterian Church, Monticello, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. The Rev. Wade Reddy and the Rev. Emory Gillespie will officiate at the service.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Monticello First Presbyterian Church, Wayne Zion Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Carl is survived by his wife, Betty, Monticello; their three sons, Stephen Wolken, M.D. (Sue), Iowa City, and their three children, Wendy Wolken Ruhde (Jeff) of Aurora, Ill., Mark Wolken, M.D. (Jen Huber), Belton, S.C., and Jeffrey Wolken (Marion Quirk) of Chadds Ford, Pa.; Stanley Wolken, D.D.S. (Sue Andre), Incline Village, Nev., and his four children, Heidi Wolken Monahan (Sean), Chris Wolken and Jon Wolken (Joy), all of Menlo Park, Calif., and Alia Wolken of Capitola, Calif.; and Richard Wolken, D.D.S. (LuAnn), Monticello, and their four children, Michael Wolken (Teresa), Monticello, Mathew Wolken (Pam), Highlands Ranch, Colo., Melissa Wolken, Kings Beach, Calif., and Brian Wolken (Ali), Monticello. His beloved 18 great- grandchildren are Nathan, Ryan, Adam, Carter, Mitchell, Eliza, Will, Henry, Eli, Dylan, Mackenzie, Alexis, Emma, Max, Eve, J.R., Kaley and Piper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaretha; and siblings, William D. Wolken and Lena Butschi.

Carl was born in the family farmhouse in Wayne Township, Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, to John and Margaretha (Peters) Wolken on July 28, 1920. He was just a few days short of celebrating his 97th birthday. Carl was baptized and confirmed at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello. Carl and Betty Adams were married Dec. 10, 1942, and lived on the family farm for a wonderful nearly 75 years together. The farm has provided many wonderful memories for family and friends. Carl continued his farming interest and involvement until the day he died.

Carl served on the Session of the Monticello Presbyterian Church. He was a 66-year member of the Monticello Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 2008. Carl was elected to the Jones County Cattlemen's Hall of Fame in 2001. He served as a 4-H leader for the Wayne Wranglers 4-H Club for many years. Carl served as a Wayne Township trustee for many years. He truly loved farming, which he continued until his passing.

Carl truly loved life and all its blessings, especially his family and friends. He taught his family to appreciate all of the Lord's blessings and to give back as much as reasonably possible. His positive attitude and smile were contagious. He will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.