Wendy Marie (Mayer) Hilke, age 61, of North Hudson, formerly of Barron, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2014 in Hudson.

Wendy was born on December 27, 1952 to Warren and Beatrice (Jordahl) Mayer in Aberdeen, SD.  She grew up in Aberdeen, SD and Austin, MN, and graduated from Austin High School with the class of 1971.  She attended some nursing classes and worked as a nurse’s assistant at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN and at St. Luke’s Hospital in Crosby, ND.  Wendy met the love of her life, John Hilke, while he was visiting some friends in Rochester, MN. The two dated 2 years when John proposed with the tab from a can of Coke (Wendy’s favorite beverage). Three months later, the two were united in marriage in Austin, Minnesota.  The marriage would be blessed with four children, Aaron, Elizabeth, Ryan and Kimberlee. Wendy raised their children and worked retail for the Herberger’s in Willmar, MN. In 1989, the Hilke family settled in Barron where Wendy transferred to the Herberger’s in Rice Lake and eventually took a teller position at the Bank of Barron. Wendy and John made their final move to Hudson in 2001.

Wendy was an incredible woman who opened her arms and welcomed everyone equally. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Wendy also loved baking and eating anything sweet. She made the best chocolate chip cookies, but also had a fully stocked candy drawer. Wendy enjoyed creative writing, gardening, and canning tomatoes, vegetables, and homemade jam.

Wendy is survived by her children, Aaron (Trina) of Hudson, Elizabeth (Chris) Schmitt of Hudson, Ryan of Scottsdale, AZ and Kimberlee of Beldenville; grandchildren, Evan, Heather and Micah; sister, Renee (Terry) Olthoff; and many other relatives and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, John; and her parents.

A Memorial Celebration of Wendy’s life will be held at 11am on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Bethel Lutheran Church – Downtown Location, 920 Third Street, Hudson, WI.  A visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to services at the church.