Patricia "Pat" Mae Wilke

Patricia “Pat” Wilke, passed away November 23rd, 2025, in her home surrounded by her loved ones. Memorial Services will be 10:30 am, December 1, 2025, at Kearney eFree Church. A livestream of the service can be viewed at www.kearneyefree.com/live Memorials are suggested to the family, to be designated later. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of the arrangements. Patricia Mae Wilke was born on May 3, 1947, in Sterling, Colorado, to Howard and Dottie Mae Stull. She remained in Sterling until approximately eight years of age, when the family relocated to Kearney, Nebraska. Pat received her education through the Kearney Public School system, laying the foundation for a lifetime devoted to service and integrity. Upon completing her schooling, she entered into marriage with her first husband, Kenneth Cash, in 1965. Two children were born of this union: Debra and Michael Cash. Their marriage endured for ten years. During this period, Pat enrolled in and successfully completed the police academy, distinguishing herself in 1974 as the first female police officer to serve the City of Kearney. Following her graduation, she commenced her career with the Kearney Police Department, where she served with dedication and professionalism. On June 4, 1977, Patricia entered into marriage with the love of her life, Gerry Wilke. Together they established their home in Kearney, Nebraska, and continued their shared commitment to public service through their roles with the Kearney Police Department. In 1982, Pat accepted a position as a dispatcher with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, further expanding her contributions to law enforcement and public safety. In 1997, she achieved a significant personal milestone, graduating from Kearney State College at the age of 50 with a degree in criminal justice. Throughout approximately two decades of service to Buffalo County, Pat held numerous positions, including police officer, dispatcher, correctional officer, assistant to the county attorney, and roles within the child-support division. In each capacity, she demonstrated unwavering dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community. She retired from public service in 2007. Shortly after her retirement, Pat and Gerry moved to Mesa, Arizona, where they enjoyed several years of well-earned rest and companionship. In 2017, they returned to their beloved home community of Kearney, Nebraska. Pat is survived by her husband, Gerry Wilke of Kearney; her daughter, Debra (Craig) Bunger of Kearney; daughter in-law Jennifer Cash of Ladora Iowa, her granddaughters, Angie (Matt) Choplin of Gibbon and Ellie Cash of Ladora, Iowa; and her great-grandchildren, Tate Choplin (Halie) of Gibbon and Kelsey Choplin (Cody) of Kearney. She is also survived by her sister, Sandy Duncan of Kearney, Brother in law Jerry Peterson of Kearney along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Stull and Darryl and Dottie Campbell; her son, Michael Cash; her sisters, Anna Carpenter, Linda Peterson, and Mary Larson; and brother in law Don Duncan.

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Patricia "Pat" Mae Wilke

May 3, 1947 - November 23, 2025