Madeline E. Smith

Madeline E. Smith, 92, of Evansville, passed away Monday June 6, 2011 at Heritage Health Care. Madeline was born in Degonia Springs, Indiana, and moved with her family to Evansville in 1938. She is a graduate of Reitz High School and of Bramwell Business College. In 1979, Madeline retired from Whirlpool as an Executive Secretary. She was a longtime member of Salem United Methodist Church, where she was very active and a member of the UMW. She was an avid card player, a member of clabber and bridge clubs, and also enjoyed ceramics, needlework, and baking kuchens. Together with her beloved husband, Dudley, she enjoyed traveling; dining out with friends; and attending University of Evansville Basketball games, where they were decades-long season-ticket holders. She was preceded in death by her parents H. William and Clara (Hoeffer) Wilke; brothers Ralph Wilke, Merrill Wilke and Kermit Wilke; nephews Wendell Wilke and Wayne Wilke. Madeline is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dudley; nephews Donnie Wilke of Boonville, Darryl Wilke of Evansville, and Larry Wilke of Evansville; niece Patty Lynch of Concorde, NC; and other extended family. Visitation will be from 11:00-1:00 pm Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Ziemer Funeral Home North Chapel, 6300 N. First Ave., Evansville, IN 47710. Funeral service will follow at the funeral home with Rev. Brant Wilkie officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 6311 Kratzville Rd., Evansville, IN 47710. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com