Wilbert “Will” Henry Stoelk, age 93, of Wilton, died on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, surrounded by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2024, at Bentley Funeral Home, Wilton. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Will was born in Muscatine County on July 21, 1930, to Henry and Erna (Beer) Stoelk. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953. Will was a true Wilton native who cared deeply for his community and served as a councilman and mayor for many years and worked as a lineman for the REC in Wilton. Will married Bessie Reno on December 6, 1953, and raised two children: Tom and Kathy.
Will’s legacy is also carried on by his grandchildren: Eric, Matt and Mark Escher and Steven and Lauren Stoelk. Each of them will remember their grandfather for his kindness, his quick wit, the pride he showed in their accomplishments, or sharing his love for gardening.
Will is survived by his wife Bessie; his son, Tom (Lori) Stoelk of Canton, Ohio, and daughter, Kathy (Joe) Escher of Wilton; grandchildren: Eric (Kelsey) Escher of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Matt (Rachel) Escher of Peoria, Illinois, Mark (Jennifer) Escher of North Liberty, Iowa, Steven Stoelk of Reynoldburg, Ohio and Lauren ( Mike) Stoelk of Minneapolis, Minnesota; great-grandchildren: Tobin, Tinley and Bennett of Peoria, Leo and Rosie of North Liberty, and Auggie of Minneapolis.
Will was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Harold Stoelk; and sister, Roberta Juergens.