Charlene E. Wilks

Charlene was born in Hancock, MI on November 22, 1955, a daughter of the late James and Ellen Wilks. She spent her early years in Baltic, MI. She grew up in Laurium, MI, and graduated with honors from Calumet High School with the class of 1973. She spent most of her adult years in the Marquette, MI area, and moved to Spearfish SD in 2013, after falling in love with the beauty of the area. She worked primarily in home health care until her health would no longer permit it. Charlene truly enjoyed crafting, especially crocheting, ceramics, and most recently rock painting with rocks she found in the riverbed in Spearfish.

Charlene is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Pat Hanson, Judy Kivela, and an infant sister, Darlene; brothers, Jim, William (Boiga), and Doug. She was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law Ron Hanson, Jack Kivela, Anton (Chuck) Abe, and Alfred Baril.

She is survived by her three sons, Dale Baril of Ishpeming, MI, David Murphy of St. Claire, MI, and James (Stefanie) Murphy of St. Louis, MO; three grandchildren, Keegan Murphy, and Maggie and Howie Murphy. Siblings, Jerry (Barb) Wilks of Laurium MI, Mary Baril of Lake Linden MI, Dorothy (Dottie) Abe of Calumet MI, Jack Wilks of Farmington Hills, MI and Joseph (Iggy) Wilks of Spearfish SD, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Sharon Wilks of Burlington, WI and Debbie Wilks of Calumet, MI.

Also surviving Charlene is her very good friend and neighbor, Lenora Salway of Spearfish, who took such good care of her and was with her until the end. The family is very grateful to her for all she did.

Cremation has taken place and per Charlene’s wishes there will be no services at this time.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com