Cindy Slava Wilk, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, in Wausau, Wisconsin, at the age of 70. Born on July 25, 1954, in Sladojevci, Croatia, Cindy’s journey began in a small village, where her spirit was nurtured by her parents, Slavko and Juliana Jujic. At the age of 14, Cindy immigrated to Racine and later to Wausau to continue her education. This was not possible in Croatia due to the financial hardships faced by her family during that period.
In 1973, Cindy graduated from D.C. Everest Senior High School, where she formed lifelong friendships that would span decades. That same year marked the beginning of a beautiful love story, as she married Kenneth Wilk on June 2, 1973, in Wausau. Together, they shared 51 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.
Cindy devoted her professional life to serving others, working in customer service at Ron’s Grocery Store and 29 Super Market before making a profound impact as part of the Head Start Child Care and Montessori School of Wausau, where she retired in 2020. Her nurturing nature and dedication to children were evident in her work, shaping the lives of many young minds.
Cindy’s interests were as varied as her talents. She found joy in gardening, spending time camping at Camper's Haven, and relishing Friday night fish fry with friends. A nature lover at heart, she adored the beauty of the outdoors and all the wonders it offered. Her strong faith, contagious laugh, and brutal honesty were hallmarks of her character, endearing her to everyone she met. Cindy had a generous spirit and a deep love for her family, which she expressed through her unwavering support and encouragement.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Ken Wilk, and their two children, Tina (Michael) Wilk Eaton and Todd Wilk. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Olivia and Spencer Pierce, Emma Wilk, and Charlotte and Nathaniel Eaton, filling their lives with warmth and love. Cindy is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol (Donald) Clark; her siblings, Zoran Jujic, Dean (Karen) Schuetz, Craig (Alice) Schuetz, and Lynn Francis; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were like family, that will miss her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Slavko and Juliana Jujic and Jack and Joyce Schuetz; her mother-in-law, Sophie Wilk and father-in-law, Anthony Wilk; brother, Mile Jujic; brother-in-law, Gene Wilk; treasured aunts, Sophie, Teresa, Mary, and Resi who sponsored and loved her journey to the United States. Their memory will forever be intertwined with her legacy.
Cindy faced the challenges of Vascular Dementia, Parkinsonism, and Myasthenia Gravis with grace and courage. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Inner Peace Home Health Service, Wellington Assisted Living, and the exceptional nurses, especially Alex and Connie, and staff in palliative care at Wausau Hospital for their unwavering support and compassionate care during her final days.
A celebration of Cindy's life will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until the time of service at the church. A lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Marathon County Humane Society, a cause that was close to Cindy’s heart.
Though Cindy Slava Wilk has left this earthly realm, her spirit, laughter, and love will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the Wilk family. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.
Monday, February 10, 2025
9:30 - 11:30 am (Central time)
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
Monday, February 10, 2025
Starts at 11:30 am (Central time)
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
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