Obituary of LeRoy Clement Wilhelm

LeRoy C. Wilhelm, 83, of Epworth, Iowa died Thursday, February 23, 2012, at Mercy Critical Care Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. LeRoy was born December 29, 1928, the son of John and Esther (Lentner) Wilhelm at home near Cascade. He graduated from St. Paul High School in Worthington with the Class of 1946 and enlisted in the Army, serving from 1946 - 1948. He married Arlene Sudmeier in 1950. Together they farmed near Manchester for about 25 years where they raised 12 children. He married Helen Brown in Epworth, Iowa in 1984. She preceded him in death. LeRoy and Helen operated Harbor Place Antiques in Dubuque. He enjoyed antiques, fishing, getting skinned in cards, gambling and a good martini. Survivors include 12 children of whom LeRoy was very proud: Dave Wilhelm of Manchester, Diane Wilhelm-Johnson (Stephen) of Port Washington, WI, Donna (Richard) Lintern of Mentor, OH, Mike (Rhonda) Wilhelm of Manchester, Mary (Mike) Knipper of Dyersville, Tom (Joleen) Wilhelm of Manchester, Vicki (Brian) Rehnstrom of Marion, Steve Wilhelm of Bad Vilbel, Germany, Ann (Rick) Pech of Winthrop, Kate (Dan) McNeal of Cedar Rapids, Phil Wilhelm (Kelly) of Hiawatha, Gary Wilhelm of Cedar Rapids; 22 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; a sister, Anna Jane. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Andrew Knipper in 2009, and a brother, John. Friends may call from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 27, 2012, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a vigil service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Epworth with burial in St. Paul Cemetery, Worthington. Rev. Dennis Cain will officiate.