Ethel Irene (Gerken) Wiley, age 98, of Sac City, Iowa, joined the realm of Heavenly Angels on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City.  Ethel was born on a farm  south of Sac City, to John and Jennie (Schoneboom) Gerken on October 9, 1918.  She grew up on that farm with her five brothers and six sisters.   As farm girls will, she and her friend from the Peters family, hitched a ride into Sac City to check out the local dance hall above the Sac theater.        

   There, Ethel met the love of her life, Marvin Lee Wiley, and after an extended courtship they were married April 5, 1937.  They were blessed with four children: Carol, Michael, Dennis and Alan.  She was a mother and homemaker during the years her children were growing up and entering school. 

   She was employed by Priebe’s and Sons for many years, candling eggs and in her spare time caring for her family.  As the boys grew and became involved in sports, you could find Ethel and Marvin on the bleachers cheering the Sac boys to first place at swimming meets and cheering them on at football, basketball and track meets. 

   For being a Yankee, Ethel made potato salad to kill for.  She also was a favorite grandmother as there was always a jar of M&M’s for the little people.  Ethel was active in the Kiwanis auxiliary, taking her share of pies and cookies to the meetings.  She was also active in the Presbyterian Guild for many years  while Marvin served as a Deacon.

   Ethel loved her family, was a good friend and enjoyed helping people in the community.  She became a resident of Park View in 2012 and remained there until her death.  She enjoyed a long life and hopefully is reunited with her husband of 79 years.

   Survivors include her children: Carol Baird of Katy, Texas,  Michael (Barbara) Wiley of Antigo, Wisconsin,  Dennis (Merry Echo) Wiley of Des Moines, Iowa and Alan (Beth) Wiley of Prior Lake, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, along with many extended family and friends. 

   Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; her parents John and Jennie Gerken; her in-laws John and Jessie Wiley; her son-in-law Neil Baird; her five brothers: Jack, Fike, Clarence, Robert, and Kenneth;  her six sisters: Nellie, Gertie, Helen, Martha, Sophie, and Lydia; her brothers–in-law: Morris, Wesley, Francis and Hubert; and her sisters-in-law Dorothy and Doris.