Carl Wolken July 28, 1920-July 14, 2017

     Carl Wolken, age 96, died peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with his wife Betty of nearly 75 years by his side. 

     A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at 11 Monday morning, July 17, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church, Monticello, with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 until 6 p.m. Sunday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. Rev. Wade Reddy and Rev. Emory Gillespie will officiate at the services. Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Monticello First Presbyterian Church, the Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice.

     Carl is survived by his wife, Betty, Monticello, Iowa; and their three sons: Stephen Wolken, MD (Sue), Iowa City, and their three children Wendy Wolken Ruhde (Jeff) of Aurora, Ill., Mark Wolken, MD (Jen Huber) of Belton, S.C., and Jeffrey Wolken (Marion Quirk) of Chadds Ford, Pa.; son Stanley Wolken, DDS (Sue Andre), Incline Village, Nev., and his four children, Heidi Wolken Monahan (Sean) of Menlo Park, Calif., Chris Wolken of Menlo Park, Calif., Jon Wolken (Joy) of Menlo Park, Calif., and Alia Wolken of Capitola, Calif.; and son Richard Wolken, DDS (LuAnn), Monticello, Iowa, and their four children Michael Wolken (Teresa), of Monticello, Iowa, Mathew Wolken (Pam), of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Melissa Wolken, of Kings Beach, Calif., and Brian Wolken (Ali) of Monticello, Iowa. His beloved 18 great grandchildren are: Nathan, Ryan, Adam, Carter, Mitchell, Eliza, Will, Henry, Eli, Dylan, Mackenzie, Alexis, Emma, Max, Eve, J.R., Kaley, and Piper. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaretha, and siblings, William D. Wolken and Lena Butschi.

     Carl was born in the family farmhouse in Wayne Township, Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, to John and Margaretha (Peters) Wolken on July 28, 1920. He was just a few days short of celebrating his 97^th birthday. Carl was baptized and confirmed in the Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello. Carl and Betty Adams were married Dec. 10, 1942, and lived a wonderful nearly 75 years together. Carl and Betty lived on the family farm for nearly 75 years. The farm has provided many wonderful memories for family and friends. Carl continued his farming interest and involvement until the day he died. Carl served on the Session of the Monticello Presbyterian Church. He was a 66-year member of the Monticello Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 2008. Carl was elected to the Jones County Cattlemen’s’ Hall of Fame in 2001. He served as a 4-H leader for the Wayne Wranglers 4-H Club for many years. Carl served as a Wayne township trustee for many years. He truly loved farming, which he continued until his passing.

     Carl truly loved life and all its blessings, especially his family and friends. He taught his family to appreciate all the Lord’s blessings and to give back as much as reasonably possible. His positive attitude and smile were contagious. He will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.