Geraldine “Jeri” Wilken, age 96 of Murdock, NE passed away at home on Saturday, May 14th 2022. She was born February 7th 1926 to Almore and Esther (Collinson) Sommer in rural Custer County near Merna, NE.

She graduated Salutatorian from Merna High School in 1944. She went on to pursue a career in nursing through the United States WWII Cadet Nursing Corps, attending Nebraska Wesleyan University and Bryan School of Nursing. She graduated from Bryan School of Nursing in 1947.

Jeri met Willard Wilken in 1947 and they were married on April 11th 1948 at her parents’ home. They moved to Murdock, NE where they designed and built several houses in the area including their family home. Jeri worked as a Registered Nurse at Community Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, NE for over 30 years. She enjoyed vacationing, fishing in Minnesota, gardening, and reading.

She is survived by her son Richard Wilken (wife Somsawan) of Puyallup WA and daughter Meredith Christensen (husband Robert) of Cheyenne WY; grandson Timothy Wilken (wife Cassandra) of Cheyenne WY, grand-daughter Tatiana Harris (husband Tom) of Tacoma WA and grand-daughter Nicole Wellensiek (husband Chris) of Cook NE; seven greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her daughter Janet Neemann; her grandson Steven Neemann; her parents; and her siblings Allie Richardson (husband John), Stanley Sommer (wife Sylvia), Warren Sommer (wife Mildred), and Keith Sommer (wife Phyllis).

A private family graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery with arrangements by Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home in Louisville, NE. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.