Lester Wilke Obituary

Lester M. Wilke October 5, 1940 – July 19, 2025 Lester M. Wilke was born on October 5, 1940, to Marvin Wilke and Esther (Weirich) Grobe in Fredericksburg, Texas, and was raised in nearby Albert, Texas. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1959 and went on to study Mathematics at Texas Lutheran College in Seguin. He earned his degree from TLC in 1963 and later returned to school to obtain his master's degree in education. Lester began his teaching career at Poteet High School, where he taught for four years. It was during this time that he was set up on a blind date and met the love of his life, Agnes Polansky. They were married on July 12, 1969. Following their marriage, Lester moved to Jourdanton and became a math teacher at Jourdanton High School, where he would dedicate 43 years of service to Jourdanton ISD. Over the decades, he taught Algebra I and II, Trigonometry, and Calculus. In addition to teaching, he drove a school bus and worked tirelessly to prepare students each year for UIL mathematics competitions. Lester had a lasting impact on generations of students, many of whom remember his corny jokes with fondness – but more than that, they remember the deep care and dedication he brought to his work. He was beloved not just as a teacher, but as a mentor and a friend. Outside the classroom, Lester had many hobbies. He enjoyed deer hunting, but his greatest passion was gardening. He was especially proud of his tomato crop – considered by many to be among the best in Jourdanton, and perhaps all of Atascosa County. Lester and Agnes built a loving family and were blessed with three children: Amy, Ericka, and Michael. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and teacher. Even after retiring, he remained a faithful supporter of the Jourdanton Indian football team, cheering them on from the stands. A friend and former student once said it best: "Lester was a pillar of Jourdanton High School and a trusted voice in the community." His presence, his wisdom, and his kindness will be dearly missed. Lester is survived by his children, Amy Alvord, Ericka Palmer and husband Jason, and Michael Wilke and wife Sandra; grandchildren, Jennifer Alvord and husband Kyle, Kaitlyn Greene and husband Chris, Zachary Wilke, Kyle Palmer, and Kaycee Palmer; and great grandchildren, Vivian Greene, and Baby Greene on the way. He is also survived by his niece, Lisa Bustamante and husband Joe; nephew, Robert Polansky and wife Kristin; and brothers-in-law, James Polansky, and Ado Polansky and wife Kathryn. Lester was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes (Polansky) Wilke; sister, Margaret Wilke; son-in-law, Dennis Alvord; and sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Polansky, and Georgia Polansky. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Hurley Funeral Home from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 1, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, starting with a visitation at 10:00 am followed by mass at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in St. Matthew Cemetery. Following the services there will be a luncheon held at the American Legion Hall in Jourdanton. Pallbearers will be Kyle Palmer, Jason Palmer, Kyle Chilek, Zachary Wilke, Joe Bustamante and Robert Polansky. Lester will forever be in our hearts, and may his legacy live on through the many lives he touched.