Delmer W. L. Wilgers

Delmer William Louis Wilgers, 88, Palmer, died November 18, 2015 at the Linn Community Nursing Home, Linn. Visitation was Noon until 7 p.m., Sunday, November 22 at Ward Funeral Home in Linn. The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral service was 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 23 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Palmer. Rev. Tom Sahl officiated. Patricia Koch was organist and the congregation sang “The Lord’s My Shepherd,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “ When Peace Like a River.” Pallbearers were Jason Heitman, Dustin Wilgers, Eric Esparza, Evan Esparza, Jacob Wilgers and Adam Wilgers. Honorary pallbearers were Ryan Wilgers, Aaron Wilgers and Logan Wilgers. Burial was in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Palmer. Delmer was born March 26, 1927, west of Palmer to Henry Christoph and Louise Adeline (Dankenbring) Wilgers. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. H.A. Kolm at St. Paul, Lutheran Church, Palmer, where he was a member his entire life. Delmer went to Diamond and Rieter country schools and graduated from Linn High School in 1945. He served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific area. He graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in education. Delmer began teaching in 1947 and taught school 42 years. Delmer was united in marriage to Gertrude Anna Voelker on August 26, 1951. They were blessed with eight children. He enjoyed trapping, hunting, woodworking, bicycling and gardening. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gertrude; eight children, Steve (Ronda) Wilgers, Wichita, Sharon (Mike) Heitman, Auburn, Ronica (James) Hoag, Toronto, William (Sharon) Wilgers, Palmer, Benton (Michelle) Wilgers, Wichita, Robert (Wendy) Wilgers, Elbing, Gael (Eleazar) Esparza, Leon, Cory (Amy) Wilgers, Wichita; brother, Calvin Wilgers, Linn; twenty-two grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Wayne; and sister, Ruth. Memorial Fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Delmer W. L. Wilgers, please visit our flower store.