Carmen Ann Tilkes

Carmen Tilkes age 93, of rural Ionia, IA, died Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Colonial Manor of Elma.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Washington, with Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, North Washington.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton, where there will be a 4:00 p.m. Rosary and a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues one hour before services at the church in North Washington on Friday.

Carmen Anne Tilkes came into the world alongside a twin sister, Connie, on November 18, 1932, to parents Lou and Ann (Gerleman) Ricke in Webster City, IA. Following the death of their mother before they turned one, Carmen and Connie were taken in and raised by their aunt and uncle, Agnes and Al Lensing, in Festina, IA. Later on, Lou remarried Betty Jones, and the couple lived in rural Wesley, IA. 

From a young age, Carmen held a strong Catholic faith that remained throughout her life, and she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington, IA. Attending a dance at The Innwood Ballroom in Spillville, IA proved to be one of her best decisions as this is where she met Edward Tilkes, who had recently returned from serving in the Korean War. Not long after, Edward and Carmen were united in marriage on June 8, 1954, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. Helping Edward on the farm, building their home, and raising a family with four children kept Carmen busy. She could often be found making homemade bread, maintaining a spotless house, and, in summer, was tasked as the tractor driver when bailing hay. Carmen and Edward delighted in square dancing and polka music, with many enjoyable outings accompanied by Connie and her husband. 

As time passed, Carmen could be found on a Saturday morning dancing to polka music in the kitchen while getting her hair done for church that evening. Typically, Edward was the chosen dancing partner, but it was not uncommon for a grandchild to have to step in in his absence. In later years, her frequent companion was her squeaky glider rocker, which could be heard upon entering the house. Here, she would more often than not be found reading one of her prayer books, praying the rosary, or having her near-daily phone calls with Connie. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren were rocked and kept warm and safe in her arms; evidence could be found in a sound asleep child and more than significant perspiration. 

Her hearing was impressive, as noted by picking up a conversation happening halfway across the house. Carmen was a woman who had a spicy side when required and persevered through challenges over the years, whether physical, mental, or situational. Her grandchildren kept her young and were a bright light in her life. Carmen’s happy place was alongside Edward, on the farm they built and where lasting memories were created together. She resided there until 2018 before moving to Colonial Manor in Elma together with her twin sister, Connie.

Left to cherish her life are her children, Joyce (Dean) Gebel, Alta Vista; David (Sandy) Tilkes and Mike Tilkes, both of Alta Vista; and Janice (Terry) Bouska, Protivin. Twin sister, Connie Woodson; half-sisters, Sharon Meyer, Julie (Pete) Pesicka, Rose (Wilbur) Johnson, Nancy (Carl) Johnson; half-brothers, LaVerne, Paul, Tom (Jackie), and Ray (Lyneen) Ricke; along with Cousins, Denis (Clara) Lensing and Marlene (Bob) Pins; nine grandchildren, Brenda (Adam) Geerts, Stacey (Kevin) O’Brien, Katherine Tilkes (Kevin) Zeimetz, Andrew Tilkes, Lindsey (Justin) Hebel, Lisa (Michael) Wahl, Nathan Tilkes, Kyle (Mackynzi) Bouska, Karen (Jesse) Winter; sixteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lou (Ann) Ricke, aunt and uncle who raised her, Al (Agnes) Lensing; her dear husband, Edward Tilkes, in 2006; stepmother, Betty Ricke, half-brothers, Charles and Kenny Ricke; half-sisters, Beatrice Batt and Theresa Ricke; cousin, Lloyd (Jean) Lensing; brothers-in-law, Frank Woodson and Larry Boyer; infant grandson, Matthew Tilkes; great-grandchildren, Alex Geerts, Luca and Micah Wahl, Ivy, Leo, and Bo Winter; nephew, Shawn Johnson. 

A special thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice and the staff of the Colonial Manor for their wonderful care and attention they have given Carmen over the past years.