Elleanor Ella Wilken, 90, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday April 21, 2019 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10:30AM at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Elleanor was born on May 7, 1928 to Levi & Tillie Thaler Nedved in Wagner, SD. Elleanor grew up on the family farm south of Wagner with her brother and 2 younger sisters. She worked hard on the farm helping her dad pick corn by hand, milking cows, and helping her mom care for the home. She learned well and her strong work ethic stayed with her all of her life. She became a wonderful cook and continued to make amazing meals, pies, jellies and was especially known for her kolaches.

Elleanor married Robert Weidner on June 26 ^th , 1949 and to this union 6 children were born. Elleanor was very family and community oriented. Robert passed away in 1977.

Elleanor married Alvin Wilken on August 4, 1984 in Winner and they continued to live in Winner. Elleanor called Winner her home for 63 years. Elleanor & Alvin were very involved in the American Legion. Their home was always a gathering place for the family. Alvin passed away in 2001. Elleanor continued to live in her own home until her passing. She had a gift with her beautiful house plants. She kept her yard very nice and could often be seen pulling up dandelions one by one.

Grateful for having shared her life are her sons Ron (Mavis), Dean (Karla), Allen (Judy), 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren & 3 great great grandchildren. 2 sisters, June Kinder, Geraldine (George) Krsnek, and several nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends.

Preceding her in death were husbands Robert & Alvin, parents Levi & Tillie, sons Rodney & Ricky, daughter Deb, brother Raymond, brother-in-law Dick Kinder, great grandson Cody, & nephew Dave Krsnek and her long time 4-legged companion Tigger.

Elleanor had a knack for bridging the generation gap and could have such a wonderful relationship with all ages and relate to them accordingly.