Theresia Solotko Wilson, 100, of Burlington, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington with her loving daughter Dorothy at her side.
Theresia was born Sept. 22, 1923, in Legau, Germany, the daughter of Albert and Hildard Lamle Endres. Theresia married her first husband, John Solotko, on Jan. 20, 1947. Sadly, John passed away April 5, 1980. Theresia later married Orville Wilson on Dec. 1, 1984. They spent many wonderful years together before his death on Feb. 25, 2003.
Upon Theresia's move to the United States, she worked a number of positions, including working at Paul's Cafe, Willow Ware, Riley's Paint Factory, Bock's Greenhouse, Midwest Biscuit Company, and Tiffany's Bakery making those famous pink iced sugar cookies for everyone.
Theresia was an active member of Divine Mercy Parish and enjoyed volunteering for the Salvation Army. She loved gardening, cooking, knitting, animals, reading, spending time with great-grandchildren, and was always giving to others. Theresia was known as the Christmas cookie lady. She loved baking beautiful cookies and giving them away to see the joy it brought. She was a consummate caretaker for many in their tougher moments and her kind heart was boundless. She loved to laugh and have fun, play card games and share her happiness with others. Theresia's mother imparted these words when Theresia left Germany in 1949 - "Don't forget your religion, don't forget the place you were born, and live every day like it was your last".
Theresia's family includes her daughter, Dorothy Endres of Burlington; four grandchildren, Jeff Combs of Burlington, Tony Boulton of West Burlington, Wendy Stein of Portland, Ore., and Theresia Graham of Marshfield, Vt.; five great-grandchildren, Willow, Apple, Fivel, Satchel, and Clementine; three sisters, Mary Montgomery, Agathe Allgower, and Helena Fellner; one brother, Toni Endres, and special friends, Mary Rose Orth, and Sue Mumme.
Besides her husbands, Theresia was preceded in death by her parents; her son, John Jr., and daughter, Donna Hanson; four brothers, Magnus Endres, Leo Endres, Sylvester Endres, and Altobert Endres; infant siblings, Joseph, Helnea, and Oulale; and brother-in-law, Fred.
Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. A Rosary for Theresia is scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m., also at the funeral home.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Wilson will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington. Burial will be immediately after Mass in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for Divine Mercy Parrish and the Des Moines County Humane Society.