Wilmer C. Wiese was born August 30, 1921, the son of Detlef and Alma (Kruetzfeldt) Wiese. He died Wednesday, August 11, 2004, at the Manilla Manor in Manilla, at the age of 82.

Wilmer was born in Vail and received his education at the Vail Community School, graduating from the Vail High School with the class of 1939. He was baptized and confirmed in Christ at the Zion Lutheran Church in Denison.

Wilmer helped on the family farm until entering the United States Army on November 5, 1942, at Camp Dodge. He served with the Army Air Corps-809 Medical Evacuation Squadron from November 1942 to November 1945. He earned two combat stars during his service in the Central Pacific and four combat stars while in the Philippines. Wilmer was also awarded the Air Medal and six Bronze Stars before receiving his honorable discharge on November 2, 1945.

On November 6, 1946, Wilmer was united in marriage to Darlene Kahl at the Zion Lutheran Parsonage in Denison by Rev. C.W. Schmidt. The couple made their home in Vail and were blessed with the birth of three daughters.

Wilmer worked as an electrician for the Vail Hardware for several years and then drove a DX tank wagon before he began working for the United States Postal Service in Vail on August 30, 1963, as the rural mail carrier. In August 1970, Wilmer was appointed to the Postmaster position in Vail, retiring after 28 years of service.

Wilmer was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla and a past member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. He was also a member of various postal organizations and the Vail City Council. He enjoyed fishing and gardening, especially raising horseradish, making numerous jars, adding his secret ingredients and giving them to family and friends.

Preceding Wilmer in death were his parents, his wife Darlene in 1992, three sisters: Adelaide Schrum, Vera Morton and Viola Dozark, and eight brothers, Leslie, George, Pete, Donald, Raymond, Alvin, Leonard, and Emil. Survivors include his three daughters: Beth Hargens and her husband Dean of Solon; Debbie Jans and her husband Arlan of Denison; and Faye Meyer and her husband Jim of Brandon, South Dakota; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one brother, Clarence Wiese and his wife Nina; and one sister, Ila Crampton, all of the Manilla Manor; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 14, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Denison. Rev. Kurt Kaiser and Rev. David Sewing officiated the service and graveside rites held at the Westside Cemetery in Westside.

Karen Kahl provided the organ accompaniment for soloist, Larry Boeck, who sang "The Old Rugged Cross," and congregational hymns, "Lift High the Cross," and "How Great Thou Art."

Pallbearers were Trent Hargens, Donovan Jans, David Kessen, Keith Duncan, Nick Meyer and Eric Jans. Military honors were given by Vail American Legion Post No. 65 and Westside American Legion Post No. 196.

The family invited everyone to join them in fellowship and lunch at the church, served by the Evening Guild.

The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.