Darlene Marie Wilke, 69, of Orlando, Florida passed away on February 06, 2024 from complications from a long hard battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Mrs. Wilke was born on August 13, 1954 to the late Robert and Harriet Dowling in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is preceded in death by her sister Joy Pace. She is survived by her loving husband Thomas Wilke; children Jason (Brandie) Wilke, Nick (Jamie) Wilke and Steven (Ashley) Wilke; grandchildren Dylan Wilke, Emily Wilke, Taylor Wilke, Tori Wilke, Colin Wilke and Brayden Wilke; As well as her sister Debbie Welch. Mrs. Wilke was a long standing member of the Concord Street Church of Christ. She will be missed by her many loved ones and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Mount Dora Christian Academy : https://www.mdcacademy.org/give/ways-to-give
A celebration of life ceremony will be held on February 23, 2024 at the Concord Street Church of Christ, 626 E. Concord Street, Orlando, FL 32803. Visitation will be held at 10:00AM with a formal ceremony at 11:00AM.
Terri Wiskirchen says
Dar-Dow, (perhaps only you & I know the significance of that nickname that stuck … sorry!) You’ll be missed by many, my friend. I told Tom that I think we were the first really best friends, most of our lives. I hope your family finds comfort and peace in knowing that you’re no longer in pain (even though you were great at not showing it always with a smile on your face) and that you’re in a better place. I can hear your laugh, one of a kind! Tell your Mom that her infamous words slip through my lips often, “Came on Tippy!” With a smile on my face. Our families definitely influenced the people we became. I will always miss you and love you … until we meet again. 🙏🏻💕
Paula says
I was a young 15 year old cousin of Tom when he brought Darlene to our home in Sarasota. They were the perfect couple and I hoped and prayed I could be so fortunate. Through the years we celebrated babies, graduations and weddings.
Darlene was the most beautiful woman inside and out. I will miss Darlene terribly, but know she is in Heaven and we will be together again one day.
Paula says
I was a young 15 year old cousin of Tom when he brought Darlene to our home in Sarasota. Right away we loved Darlene, so pretty! They were the perfect couple and I hoped and prayed I could be so fortunate. Through the years we celebrated babies, graduations and weddings.
Darlene was the most beautiful woman inside and out. I will miss Darlene terribly, but know she is in Heaven and we will be together again one day.
Todd Bristow says
really sorry to hear this Bonnie and I won’t be able to make any service but maybe we can have our own celebration of life when we come this summer let us know if there is anything we can do
Mark and Nancy Fischer says
Tom, Mark and I are so very sorry to hear of your wife ‘s passing. There are no words that will console you, but we are praying for you and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻
Janice Tweedie says
Uncle Bob and Aunt Harriet had three, pretty, little, blond haired girls that we would always see at Church on our visits back home to Daytona. I’ve watched them grow up to be beautiful women with wonderful families that I have always been proud to call my cousins. Darlene, was a remarkable, young lady who always gave us a warm welcome and friendly smile even though she was in pain. She let her light shine! Tom, I pray that you,your son’s and family will have peace and comfort knowing that Darlene has reached her goal and is with God. We will see her again one day. May God bless and keep you. With love, Janice
Henry. says
I can not stop thinking about Tom and Darlene, my very good friends of nearly 50 years. Peace be with Darlene, prayer for Tom and Darlene.