Cecilia Wika

Cecilia Wika, 89 of Clarkfield, Minnesota and formerly of Grenville died on Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Clarkfield Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grenville with Fr. Albert Cizewski celebrating the mass. Burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Friday 6-8 P.M. with a 7 P.M. Rosary and Scriptural Prayer Service. Cecilia (Lesnar) Wika, the daughter of Victoria Lesnar and Harry Block, was born on May 21st, 1923. She was raised and dearly loved by Martha and Anton Koslowski of Grenville. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Church and graduated in 1941 from St. Joseph Catholic High School located in Grenville, SD. Cecilia was united in marriage toRaymond J. Wika on December 31, 1945 at Fort Snelling. To this marriage 6 children were born: Jim, Marge, Tom, Marcy, Barb, and Larry. Cecilia’s children meant the world to her. Cecilia graduated from high school in 1941. Late in 1942 she moved to Portland, Oregon and joined the war effort by learning the welding trade. She was then employed as a ship builder. She later returned to the Grenville area to start farming her great-grandpa’s farm. She also raised cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, geese, and ducks. She would gladly help her neighbors when they would arrive on the yard with her welding skills. Cecilia remained on the farm until 2001 when she moved to Gettysburg, SD and in 2006 she entered the Clarkfield Care Center. Her hard work, dedication, and wit will be an inspiration to all. Cecilia enjoyed gardening, long drives in the country, reading, crocheting, and playing cards with family and friends. She had a deep passion for animals of all kinds, especially dogs and cats. In her later years, Cecilia had time for a cup of coffee and always enjoyed a good visit. She will be remembered for her tin of candy as well as her warm greetings of, “good morning” and “good evening.” She had a soft wave she shared with all who came in contact with her during her life journey. Cecilia is survived by her five children: Margaret (Richard) Jolstad of Cottonwood, MN; Thomas (Glenda) Wika of Thornton, CO; Marcella (Duane) Dahl of Sioux Falls, SD; Barbara (Bret) Bauer of Gettysburg, SD; and Lawrence Wika of New Hope, MN; two sisters: Adeline Mickus and Jane (Charles) Rosner both of St. Paul, MN; grand children: Terri Downing, Jay Jolstad, Richard and Michael Wika, Sara and Jason Dahl, Chandra Chase, Russell, Ryan, and Karen Bauer; great-grandchildren: Samantha, Amber, Rebecca, and Tiffanie Downing, Jerand and Cerissa Chase, Koen and Max Jolstad, and Brandon Wika. She was preceded in death by her parents: Victoria, Harry, Martha, and Anton, husband Raymond, son James, daughter-in-law, Peggy Wika, two sisters, Irene Thunborg and Mary Pederson and two brothers, David and Raymond Koslowski.