Mary Ellen (Gentry) Wilken

Mary Ellen Wilken, 94, of Sandusky passed away peacefully Monday, August 3, 2020 in the Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky surrounded by her family.

She was born March 18, 1926 to the late Clem and Celestine (Guenther) Gentry in Sandusky and was a 1943 graduate of Sandusky High School. Mary Ellen had worked at Barr Rubber, Ohio Bell Telephone Company, and prior to retirement the Faroh’s Candy Store. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Rosary Altar Society. Mary Ellen was a sports enthusiast, enjoying all Cleveland sports teams, and was an avid swimmer. Her most treasured moments were the times spent with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Carl A. Wilken, who is residing at the Ohio Veterans Home; six children, Barbara (Paul) Lilje of Huron, Donna (Jim) Riesterer of Sandusky, Paul (Lin) Wilken of Celina, John (Cindy) Wilken of Huron, David “Hermie” (Loretta) Wilken of Sandusky, and Chris (Al) Mielke of Sandusky; twenty grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, several great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Ashley Williams; and siblings, Charles Gentry, Donald Gentry, and Winifred Mautz.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sandusky Central Catholic School, 410 W. Jefferson Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 and Back to the Wild, P.O. Box 423, Castalia, Ohio 44824.

Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky is entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ellen (Gentry) Wilken, please visit our floral store.