Martha Turlack Wilhelm

November 21, 1930 - October 23, 2018

Martha Wilhelm, 87, of Houston passed away Tuesday, October 23, 2018. Martha (“Mother”, “Mimi”) was born in Houston, TX on November 21, 1930 to Stanley and Josephine Turlack. She was known for her heartwarming smile, kindness, love of people, and above all, love for her family. Her philosophy was, “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” Martha is survived by the love of her life, Jim Wilhelm. Martha and Jim met on a blind date in 1950, dated 10 months, and have been married for 68 years. She is also survived by her sister, Trudy Baiamonte. Some of Mimi’s favorite things were holidays and family gatherings, making and giving her world famous Poppy Seed Cakes, spending time at Caney, crossword puzzles, and Blue Bell butter pecan ice cream. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Susie Tucker and her husband Dan, Mike Wilhelm and his wife Martha, Randy Wilhelm and his wife Elaine, Kathy Ilgen and her husband John, Tim Wilhelm and his wife Kathy, Mary Anne Fritz and her husband Paul. Mimi was adored by her 13 grandchildren: Lindsey Crumby, Kristen Wilhelm, Tyler Wilhelm, Julie Wilhelm, Jeffrey Wilhelm, Jennifer Ilgen, John Ilgen, Chris Wilhelm, Samantha Fritz, Megan Fritz, James Fritz, Mindy Tucker, and Brandon Tucker, as well as 5 great grandchildren. The Wilhelm family will be present to receive friends Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079. The Funeral Mass will commence Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. A reception will follow Holy Mass on the church campus. Martha was a devout Catholic and longtime volunteer with Joseph’s Coat. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to St. John Vianney Catholic Church Social Ministry Joseph’s Coat and The Salvation Army.