Calvin Wilgers

Calvin Wilgers, 93, died April 26, 2019 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Palmer.  Rev. Tom Sahl officiated.  Organist was Sharon Heitman and the congregation sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus," “Jesus, the Very Thought of You” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Honorary pallbearers were Hailey Wurtz, Austin Wurtz, Derek Wurtz  and Danica Wurtz. Burial was in the church cemetery. Calvin was born on October 10, 1925 at Palmer to Henry and Louise (Dankenbring) Wilgers.   He graduated Linn High School and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After his discharge from the Navy, Calvin returned home to the family farm.  He was a lifelong farmer.  On June 1, 1947, he was united in marriage to Rhea Happ at her parents’ home in Palmer.  They lived on the farm until retirement in 1999 and moved to Linn. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Rhea in 2015; and son, Bradley Wilgers. Survivors include daughter, Jayne (Kenny) Wurtz, Greenleaf; grandsons, Jerin (Stephanie) Wurtz, Seneca, Chad (Deanna) Wurtz, Washington; brother-in-law, Howard (Linda) Happ, Overland Park; sister-in-law, Gert Wilgers, Palmer; and four great grandchildren, Hailey, Austin, Derek and Danica. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date.  Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Calvin Wilgers, please visit our flower store.