Merle A. Wilker

Merle Allen Wilker , 86 of Grand Forks, ND passed away Monday, May 13, 2019 peacefully at his home in Grand Forks.

Merle Allen Wilker was born on July 9, 1932, in Hensel, ND, the son of Norman and Matilda ( Heuchert ) Wilker. He lived in Hensel and then moved to Grand Forks when he was in the sixth grade. He graduated from Central High School in 1950.

He joined the United States Navy and served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS John W. Thomason DD 760. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1874 of Grand Forks, ND, and a Life member with 38 continuous years membership of the American Legion Post #299, Manvel, ND. He served two terms as commander.  He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Forks.

On January 7, 1956 he was united in marriage to Augustina I. Laranang in Grand Forks ND.  Augustina passed away in 2004. He married Corazon Geronimo, May 19, 2007 in Grand Forks, ND.  Merle  worked at Hughes Clothing Store, Glass and Paint, Grand Forks Linoleum and Carpet Company, Lystad, Wilcox and Malm, as a used car sales manager in Grand Forks, ND. He went to Hawaii and worked as a Resident Manager for two big condominiums: Queen Victoria and Salt Lake Condo. Later He also was an Estate Manager in Kailua, Hawaii. He retired and came back to Grand Forks in 2006.

Merle is survived by his loving wife, Cora; sister, Margaret (James ) Ballantine, NC; step-daughter, Bernadette (Donald) Nicholson, AZ; grandsons, Robert (Andrea) Nicholson, Michael (Shilo) Nicholson; granddaughter, Maile Rios (Ben ) Gordon; great grandchildren, Hallah Nicholson, Mack and Rory Gordon; special nephew and niece, Mark (Sandy ) Rios, Grand Forks ND, and several nephews and nieces.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Augustina: brother, Clifford; sisters, Charlotte Falos; Baby Girl Wilker and brother-in-law, Donald Falos.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM, Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1710 Cherry St. Grand Forks ND. Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Interment :  Memorial Park South Cemetery Grand Forks, ND

Military Honors: Manvel American Legion Post 299 and the US Navy Reserve.