George R. Wilmes

George R. Wilmes, age 81, of Mankato, passed away April 10, 2017, at his home after a long battle with cancer.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 21, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.  Visitation will be April 20 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m.  Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Health System SWMN Region Hospice or St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

George R. Wilmes, son of George and Agnes (Fischer), was born May 22, 1935, in Mankato.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56 in the 25th Division (Wolfhounds) and was stationed at the Schofield Base in Oahu, HI.  He married Marlene Arnes on February 15, 1958, in Remsen, Iowa.  They made their home and raised their children in Mankato.  He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 35 1/2 years, until he retired in 1995.  He then worked for Hislop Farms from 1995-2012.  He also enjoyed his time at Landkamer-Johnson-Boman Funeral Home which later became Mankato Area Funeral Homes from 1997-2014.  George enjoyed golfing, gardening, furniture refinishing and ushering at church.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion.  He was a giving man who always made those around him feel welcome and he loved sharing and listening to stories.  He was a role model to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all his days on earth.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; children, Tom (Pam) of North Mankato, Tony of St. Peter, and Mark (Teresa) of West Fargo, ND;  grandchildren, Luke (Jessica), Emily (Drew), Sarah, Ryan (Monique), Josh (Liz), Kelly (Colin), Curt, Matthew, Nick, and Katie; and great-grandchildren,  Kiearra, Kendra, Kileigh, Kylar, Craig, Clayton, Blake, Owen, Nora, Alex, Cali, Edward, Aaliyah, McKenzie, and Sophia;  brothers, Paul of Mankato, Don (Jean) of Woodbury; sister, Judy (Dick) Stuve of North Mankato; sisters-in-law, Nadine Wilmes of Janesville and Joan Wilmes of Mankato; brothers-in-law, Marvin Mai of Omaha, NE and Robert Mai of Remsen, IA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, his golfing groups and other close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roger and Larry; and sister-in-law, Phyllis.

He will be forever loved and missed by his family