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Wilma Cleek Obituary
Wilma Selzer Cleek
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Wilma Selzer Cleek, age 93, of Columbia passed away peacefully at her home Friday, January 15, 2021.
Wilma was born on November 16, 1927, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, the daughter of William A. Selzer and Cora Ann Selzer, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Bonne Terre High School in 1945. Wilma married Clifton Elmo Cleek June 16, 1946. Together they did everything, including founding Cleek's Appliance in October 1956. Tragically, Elmo was killed in a plane crash November 19, 1973. Their son, John Cleek, took over running the business which today is Cleek's Home Furnishings, Rentals & Sales and has five locations in central Missouri.
Wilma had two brothers, William Harold Selzer and Clyde Selzer who preceded her in death.
Survivors include her sister, Carolyn L. Marler (and her daughter, Jeanne) of Festus, Missouri; Wilma's three children: her son John C. Cleek (Ann) of Columbia; her daughter Sally Cleek Francis (Roy) of Columbia; Wilma's "adopted" daughter Julia Haus (Todd Vukson) and their son Cody of California; and Susie Cleek, her youngest daughter who was her best friend and caregiver for many years and true to form was with her when she died as were her loving puppies, Bear and Yogi. Other survivors include grandsons, John Cleek, Jr (Heather) and their children John Cleek III (Renee) and their son Rhett, Mary Cleek, and Thomas Cleek; Greg Powell (Becca) and their children Ava, Ethan, and Aaron; Jeff Powell (April) and their children Maebel, August and Lily (and her mother Jill Price (Jerry) and their daughter Harriet).
Wilma was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and civic leader. She had been President of her Missouri United Methodist Church Circle, a Sunday School and Bible School Teacher, a founding member of the Missouri Symphony Society, and the first female member of the Columbia Quarterback Club Board of Directors. In that capacity, she took great pride in organizing bus trips to Mizzou's away games and with help from other members, taking homemade cookies to our coaches and players, particularly after a tough loss. But supporting Mizzou football was a natural for Wilma as her husband, Elmo aka "Missouri 'MO" was a legendary Tiger fan.
Wilma was a strong Christian and matriarch of the Cleek Family, who will be missed, but we know she is now in heaven with her beloved husband Elmo.
Due to Covid complications, a private family only funeral will be held Saturday, January 30th at Parker-Millard Funeral Home in Columbia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203
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