Marian E. Wilke, 71, a life-long resident of Austin, Minnesota died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016.

Marian Elizabeth Ferguson was born on Dec. 28, 1944, to Walter and June (Bly) Ferguson. A graduate of Austin High School, Marian was always a loving friend and family member. On July 20, 1974, she married Douglas P. Wilke. Over the years, she and Doug took several family members into their home when they needed a place to go. Marian enjoyed spending much of her leisure time doing puzzles, including word search and crosswords. She loved her animals with all of her heart.

Marian is survived by her siblings, David Schneider of Oxford, Texas, Alvin (Kathy) Ferguson of Elmore, Minnesota, Ronald (Winifred) Ferguson of Austin and Phyllis Keyser of Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as her aunt Arlene Tabor of Austin, godson Walter Keyser of Ashville, North Carolina, and numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces & nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews who have lost their “Aunt Me-Me.” She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and June Ferguson, husband Douglas Wilke, a stillborn child and siblings Lawrence & Charles Ferguson.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. Visitation will take place from noon to 1 p.m. immediately preceding the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Wilke Family in memory of Marian. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.