Pauline Wilke, age 95, of Aviston, and formerly of St. Rose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at The Villas at St. James in Breese.

She was born August 25, 1929, in Beckemeyer, the daughter of the late William and Adeline (nee Detmer) Kuhl. She married Vincent Wilke on May 4, 1949, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Beckemeyer. Sharing a beautiful life together until his passing on August 6, 1994.

Pauline will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards and dice with family and friends. Above all, her greatest joy was found in the company of her family. Her grandchildren were a constant source of pride and joy, and she was an enthusiastic supporter of their activities and achievements. Her warmth, strength and vibrant spirit touched all who knew her. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston and Aviston American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1239.

Pauline is survived by her children, Patricia (Norb) Mueth, Marilyn Brown, Ronald "Butch" (Bonnie) Wilke, Connie (Vince) Barciszewski, and Rita (Keith) Zurliene; son-in-law, Edward Heimann; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Lucille Trame, William (Glenda) Kuhl and Rita Schlarmann; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rose Kuhl, Pat Kuhl, Stan (Joan) Wilke, Mary Agnes Rutz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincent; beloved daughter, Judy Heimann; son-in-law, Ralph Brown; brothers, Aloys "Bud" (Nell) Kuhl, Lavern Kuhl, and Gene Kuhl; parents-in-law, Henry and Theresa (nee Goestenkors) Wilke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Henry Trame, Veronica (Ed) Tebbe, Francis (Bertha) Wilke, Ralph (Theodore) Wilke, Norbert (Mary) Wilke, and Kenneth Rutz; niece and godchild, Joyce Deiters; and nephew, Richard Kuhl.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston with Fr. Von Deeke presiding. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Cardinal Glennon Children' Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital, HSHS Home Health & Hospice, or a charity of donor's choice, and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5 ^th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.