Person:Erwin Wilke (1)

From the August 11, 1943, edition of the Postville (IA) Herald

Rita Gentz Husband Missing

The War Department has notified next of kin at St. Olaf that Lieut. Erwin H. Wilke is missing in action since July 31. He is the husband of Rita Gentz, who until her marriage was employed at the Thoma Cafe and had been stationed in North Africa with the Army Air Corps.

From the June 14, 1944, edition of the Postville (IA) Herald

Was Killed Over Sicily

Mrs. Rita Gentz Wilke received word on June 6 that her husband, Lt. Erwin Wilke, who has been missing in action since July 31, 1943, was killed. He was shot down in Sicily. Memorial services were held at the Clayton Ceneter Lutheran church yesterday afternoon, June 13.

From the June 15, 1944, edition of the Clayton County Register (Elkader, Ia.)

Lt. E.H. Wilke Reported Killed

Was Listed Missing In Action Last July

Lieut. Erwin H. Wilke, son of F.C. Wilke of Farmersburg, who was reported missing in action July 31, 1943, has been officially reported killed according to a letter received from the War department by his wife, the former Rita Gentz of Luana.

Following is the letter:

Dear Mrs. Wilke,

It is with regret that I am writing to confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your husband, First Lieutenant Erwin H. Wilke, O-663,221, Air Corps.

You husband was a member of the crew of a B-52 airplane which was reported missing in action 31 July 1943, while on an operational mission. The War department has now received an official report that your husband was killed in action 31 July 1943, when his plane crashed as a result of enemy action near Caesare, Sicily.

I know the sorrow this message has brought you and it is my hope that the knowledge of his heroic sacrifice in the service of his country may be of sustaining comfort to you.

I extend to you my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely yours,

J.A. Ulio, Maj. Gen.

The Adjutant General

Memorial services were held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at Zion Lutheran church in Clayton Center with the Rev. Mykland officiating assisted by the Rev. D.A. Flesner of Valparaiso, Ind., former pastor of Zion church. The Rev. Mykland preached the sermon "For Some Things It Is Worth To Die," and the Rev. Flesner brought a tribute to Lieutenant Wilke's faithful service in the church.

Members of the American Legion posts of Elkader and St. Olaf and service men were present to honor the memory of Lieutenant Wilke. Commander F.E. Sharp of the Lemka-Stendel post spoke on behalf of the Legion. Seaman Lavern Glawe pinned the gold star over the blue on the service flag of the church.

Lieutenant Erwin Henry George Wilke was born March 31, 1920, in Read township, the son of Fred C. Wilke and Emelie Engelhardt Wilke. He was baptized May 2, 920, by Pastor F. Athenstoedt and was confirmed March 25, 1934, at Zion's church, Clayton Center by Pastor Berthold F. Korte. He graduated from Elkader high school in 1938 and the following year attended the University of Detroit.

Lieutenant Wilke entered the induction center at Des Moines Nov. 8, 1941, and reported at Kelly Field Replacement center, San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 12, 1941. He received his commission as second lieutenant in the Air Corps Reserve Aug. 5, 1942, and the same day was married to Rita LaVonne Gentz of Luana. The final phase of his training was completed in South Carolina, where he joined the 340 Bomber Group, 488th squadron in January. He was the pilot of a B-52 bomber. He left Feb. 17, 1943, for overseas and arrived at his destination March 5, 1943. He took part in numerous missions over enemy territory and was awaded the Air Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster and Distinguished Flying Cross.

The lieutenant leaves his wife; his father; his sisters, Mrs. George Harnack of Farmersburg, Mrs. Fred H. Wilker of Rock Island, Ill., and Mrs. Clarence Engelhardt of Farmersburg; and one brohter, Lorenz Wilke of St. Olaf. He was preceded in death by his mother, who died Feb. 25, 1936.

Lieutenant Wilke was a member of Zion Lutheran church, the Luther League, church choir, and Brotherhood of the church.

Card of Thanks.

The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks and appreciation to Pastor Mykland, Rev. Flesner, the choir of Zion Lutheran church, the Legionnaires and the service men for their help in the memorial service. The family also wishes to thank the many friends for their expressions of kindness and sympathy.

Mrs. Rita Wilke

Mr. Fred Wilke

And the Brother and Sisters