Michael F. Wilmes, Sr.

Michael F Wilmes Sr, 82, of Sioux City, IA passed away at his home on March 30, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Mater Dei Parish, Immaculate Conception Church on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM. The main celebrant is Father Brad Pelzel. Con-celebrating priests are Father Peter Nguyen and Father Matthew Niggemeyer. Father Niggemeyer will deliver the homily. Burial at St John’s Cemetery in Jackson, NE will follow a funeral luncheon at the IC parish center. The Rosary recitation will begin at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 followed by visitation with a Scriptural Wake service at 7:00 PM all at the church. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Mary's Choice or to the Carmelite Nuns in Michael's name.

Mike was born September 15, 1942, in LeMars, IA, the second of three children to Frank and Virginia (Goetzinger) Wilmes. He grew up in Oyens, IA and helped his dad working to maintain the parish grounds. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Bishop Heelan in 1960. It was at Heelan where Mike met his future wife and life partner, Louise.

Mike spent most of his life in the trucking business selling Fruehauf, Utility, and Kenworth equipment. In 1988, Mike and Louise joined with their son, Mike Jr. to open a Coast to Coast Hardware Store in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The store is now known as Wilmes Do it Best Hardware.

Mike married Louise Hogh on June 29, 1963 at St John’s Church in Willis, NE. Together they raised a family of six children, 24 grandkids and 23 great-grandchildren. He glorified God in his vocation as a Catholic father working to ensure his family was provided for.

Forever grateful for getting to share his life are his wife, Louise; his children, Michael Jr and Gina Wilmes of Dakota City, NE, Chris and Kate Wilmes of Sioux City, Kevin and Susan Wilmes of Sioux City, Lisa Jarrett of Council Bluffs, IA, Theresa and John Van Eldik of Sioux City, and Laurie and Dave Bentson of Sioux City. Grandchildren, Erin (Gary) Stroot, Jennifer Wilmes, Amy (Ryan) Healy, Emily (Taylor) Mattison, Catherine (Cody) Clark, Grace Wilmes, Maria (Zach) Statema, Suzie (Greg) Ellison, Sarah (Joe) Ramirez, Brian Wilmes, Kenny Wilmes, Michael P. Wilmes, Lake Buck, Zachary Buck, Taylor Buck, Bill (Morgan) VanEldik, Jeff VanEldik, Brandon (Emily) Madison, Gerrit VanEldik, Anna VanEldik, Brandon (Kayla) Stroman, Brittany (Adam) Treft, Braedyn Bentson, and David Bentson. He is also survived by his sister, Mary V Wilmes of Sioux City, and in-laws Don Hogh of Jackson, NE and Pam Wilmes of Sioux City, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Virginia, father and mother-in-law Chris & Lucille Hogh, two great-grandchildren, Benedict James and Alyxandrea Mae, brother, Mark, brother-in-law, Ronald Hogh, and son-in-law, Denny Jarrett.