Wilda June Zirkle's Obituary
Wilda June Zirkle (Kaup) came into the world as the second child of Edith and Meredith Kaup on
December 22, 1932. She was born and raised in Alma, Nebraska until the family moved west to Tacoma, WA in 1941. Here she attended Lincoln High School (where she picked up the nickname Billie) and helped her mom raise her six siblings. She was always willing to lend a hand to friends, family, and others.
Wilda married Joe Zirkle on August 17, 1950, and Kerry was born not long after on August 4, 1951. Then ten years later, they had Kelli on May 13, 1961.
Wilda worked several years as a canner for Nalley’s. After Kelli started school, she went to work at Hygrades where she was the original “Spice Girl” responsible for weighing out the spices for the different recipes. Joe and Wilda also took care of her mother, Edith who eventually passed from ALS and after her sister Avis passed away, they became Kristi Olsen’s guardians until she graduated. After many years at Hygrades, Wilda retired and took care of Joe during his battle with cancer. He passed on July 7, 1994. Not long after, she went to work with the Tacoma School District as a lunch cashier. The kids loved her. She finally retired again to stay home where she always had an open-door policy. Through her life she had her kids, grand kids, nieces, and other family members stay with her. Just as Joe was a “father” to many, Wilda was a “mother” to many as well.
Wilda was most proud of her grandkids, Zach and Alyssa. They have grown into two of the kindest, strongest, most hardworking adults anyone could ask for. Their empathy and compassion enable them to freely help others with whatever they need. Just like grandma.
Wilda was most known in the Family Reunion “circuit” for her award-winning dishes. It all started with her Frog-eye salad and quickly moved on to her famous potato salad. Later she became famous for her BBQ meatballs. They won in the family reunion Best Food Main Dish category more times than we can count. She was also famous for “The Potatoes” which are still a family favorite at all family holiday dinners and a most requested item at our family birthdays. Wilda loved sweets too! A few of her favorites were lemon meringue pie, apple pie, cookies, and spice drops.
Activities Wilda loved included: crocheting, bowling, dancing, reading, word search puzzles, and playing card games, including solitaire when alone but especially pinochle and rummy with family. Since she retired, she watched General Hospital religiously, never missing an episode. Law & Order, Survivor and Real Housewives were also on her watchlist favorites. We’d like to say Walking Dead was too, but she only put up with it because she loved us.
Above all else, Wilda loved spending time with family. She coveted game nights, family dinners and catching up on what was going on in the lives of her grand and great-grand kids. She also looked forward to catching up with her siblings during their visits whether in person or on the phone and at the Kaup family reunions. She loved hearing what was happening in their families as well.
Wilda and Joe always jumped at the opportunity to watch their grandkids. When they were small, it was customary for her to rock them in the squeaky rocking chair, rubbing their foreheads until they finally fell asleep. Wilda continued this ritual with her great grandkids until they became too heavy for her to hold She always had a sparkle in her eyes when talking and playing with her great grandkids through the years.
Wilda is survived by her brother Wayne (Erma) Kaup, sisters-in-law Barbara (Dean) and Lolli (Harlan); her son Kerry Zirkle, daughter Kelli Boettger; her grandkids Zach (Brittany), Alyssa Boettger; and her great grandkids Zayne, Bryna and Blake Zirkle.
Wilda lived a full life creating so many wonderful memories. She was so fully emersed in her family’s lives that she is everywhere around us and we are reminded of her in everything we do. Since her passing, she has left little signs that assure us she will be with us forever.
Rest in peace. We’ll see you soon.
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