Delores Wicka

Delores R. Wicka, age 92, of Winona, passed away on Sunday August 19, 2018, at Lake Winona Manor.

She was born on August 27, 1925 in Winona, to John and Frances (Janikowski) Risser. She married Arthur Thurley the day after her 18th birthday on August 28, 1943. Together they had 2 children, Susan and Arthur. Her husband Arthur tragically died 7 years after they got married working for the city of Winona. They loved to go dancing and would be seen walking down 3rd Street hand in hand pushing Susan in the baby buggy. They never owned a car.

Then she met and married Vincent Wicka and together they had a son, Michael, and 2 daughters, Carol and Lori.

Delores enjoyed life and was always a loving and giving person. She always thought of everyone else before herself. She was a home maker and worked hard at it. She always had a pristine house, always cooked a nice meal, always had a smile on her face and her laugh was infectious and unique.

Delores enjoyed dancing and bowling for the Main Tavern.  She received many pins and trophies and numerous pictures in the paper for her accomplishments. She enjoyed her trips to Branson, MO, her trips to the casinos and music, cards and Bingo. Delores was a life-long member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.

For the last 5 years she has resided at Lake Winona Manor which she said was the best thing she could have ever done. She loved all the staff and all the activities. It was her second family.  They treated her very well. She was known as the jelly bean lady as she always had a bowl full of jelly beans for anyone who came into her room.

But most of all she loved her family.  She was the foundation, the rock of the family. She is what held us all together. None of us would be what or where we are today without her. We will miss you Mom.

Delores is survived by her children: Art (Dawn) Thurley of Naples, FL; Mike (Vicki) Wicka of Gold Canyon, AZ; Carol (Bob) Stark and Lori Wicka, both of Winona; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a nephew Harold Risser.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Arthur Thurley and Vincent Wicka; daughter: Sue Rodruck; brothers: Ralph Risser, Elmer Risser, and Earl Risser; a sister, Helen Felkner; and a grandson, Matt “Showtime” Wicka.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, where Fr. Paul Breza will lead a Christian Wake Service at 6:30 PM.  Visitation will also be held from 10 AM until 11:15 AM on Thursday, August 23, 2018, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 AM.  The Reverend Patrick Arens will officiate.  Delores will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Delores’ grandsons: Mark, Tom, and Joe Rodruck; Nathan Thurley; Mike Stark; and godchild, Brian Thomas. The honorary pallbearer will be Matt Wicka.

The family wishes to thank all the “angels” at Lake Winona Manor for the wonderful care that was given to Mom.

Online condolences or memories may be left at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.