Tributes

Whilma Bielke Achterberg passed away July 27, 2024, at the age of 98. She was born September 3, 1925, in Marion, Texas and was the tenth of twelve children born to Hermina & Edward Bielke. Whilma attended Clemens School. She married Leslie Achterberg, SAFD, on June 6, 1946. They had their first child in 1946. After graduating from Durham Business College, Whilma worked for Southern Typewriter and then for Stinson Manufacturing Company until she retired in 1986. Whilma was raised in the United Community Church and belonged to Redeemer Evangelical and Reformed Church. She joined Community Church in 1946 where she taught Sunday School for over twenty years and became the Sunday School Superintendent. She also served as Secretary of the Memorial Committee, Vice-President of the Church Council and attended the Women’s Guild. In addition to raising her wonderful family and volunteering at her church, Whilma had a green thumb and enjoyed spending time gardening in her lush and breezy backyard making it the perfect yard for family to visit. Whilma and Leslie enjoyed many weekends and holidays at ‘The River’ in Seguin with countless friends and family until the flood of ’98. She also liked bowling and bowled for many years at Highlands Social Club and also did 9-pin bowling at Bexar Bowling Club. She also volunteered at the San Antonio Chest Hospital for many years. She also enjoyed many gambling trips with friends and family over the years and was a member of a church road trip group called ‘The Galloping Grannies’. Whilma is preceded in death by her husband, her siblings, one son-in-law, Payton Reynolds, and many longtime friends. She is survived by her children: Daughter Doris and Payton (deceased) Reynolds, and sons Gerald (Jerry) and Frieda Achterberg, and twin sons Donnie Achterberg and Ronnie and Susie Achterberg. Also by her grandchildren: Michele Vigue, Cheryl and Gerald Kohlenberg, Brian and Stacy Reynolds, Janice Achterberg and Bryan Smith, Michael and Mable Achterberg, Ashley and Nate Nichols, Jeff and Meagan Achterberg, Emily and Brad Bellamy, Mandy and Mark Woodburn, Lesley and Patrick Miles. As well as her Great grandchildren: Eban and Gage Moss, Trax and Kenley Nichols, Baylie and Hayden Bellamy, Riley Miles, Gavin and Connor Kohlenberg, Joseph, Andrew, and Anna Belinski, Jasmine Smith, Ella Achterberg, Cora, Chloe, (and baby girl and boy twins on the way!) Achterberg. She also had numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 3rd at Redeemer United Church, 7415 Gin Rd., Marion, TX. Interment will follow immediately at Redeemer Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff and caretakers at Independence Hill assisted living where Whilma spent the last several years. We would also like to thank Vitas Hospice Specialty Care, most especially Chaplain Jack and Jeff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemer United Church.

Tributes

Wilma Bielke Achterberg

September 3, 1925 - July 27, 2024