Jerilynn “Cookie” Wilking, age 78 of Shakopee, passed away on January 3, 2021. A private Celebration of Life Service was held Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Shakopee. A recording of the service is available at the following link: Jerilynn “Cookie” Wilking’s Funeral Service .
On April 22, 1942, Jerilynn Audrey Miller was born to parents George & Corrine (Pickle) Miller. Jerilynn quickly became known as Cookie, and the nickname followed her the rest of her life. Cookie was the second of eight children. She loved growing up in St. Clair with her siblings, Sondra, Bruce, Tom, Joan, John, Doug and Dan. As a girl, Cookie enjoyed gymnastics and was especially good at backflips. She also had a special love for pizza after enjoying her first slice as a teenager. Cookie was active in her high school. She had many friends and played the drums in the band.
After graduating from high school, Cookie attended Mankato State University where she studied Social Work and earned her bachelor’s degree. As a college student, Cookie met the love of her life at a local dance; his name was Jerry Wilking. Cookie & Jerry’s courtship lasted several years while Cookie finished college and Jerry served in the armed forces. Over the years their love grew, and the two exchanged wedding vows on July 27, 1968.
Their marriage was blessed with many happy years and four wonderful children, Julie, Jason, Jodi & Jaime. The Wilking family settled in Shakopee where they ran Pine Ridge Stables for almost 50 years. Jerry ran the horse boarding stable while also working full time at Chicago Northwestern Railroad, so Cookie was able to be at home with the kids. The Wilking house was always open to everyone. All of the neighborhood kids knew they were always welcome at Cookie’s and that she had a snack or meal ready for them if needed. Cookie was always so laid back and relaxed, so everyone felt comfortable in her presence.
While the kids were growing up, the Wilking family enjoyed going to horse shows. Even though Cookie was terrified of horses, she still went to support her kids and husband in their passion. When the kids moved out of the house, Jerry and Cookie enjoyed going to casinos together. Jerry played Black Jack, and Cookie played the slots. They also liked to travel and took a very special trip to Alaska before Jerry got sick. After Jerry passed away, Cookie surrounded herself with family to help her get through this difficult time.
The grandkids were the most important thing in Cookie’s life. They were her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Cookie spent countless hours visiting and playing with each of her grandkids. When Cookie wasn’t spending time with her family, she liked decorating and took pride in keeping a nice home. She also enjoyed playing cards and was a member of two different card clubs that met monthly. This was a fun way for Cookie to keep in touch with her girlfriends.
Cookie was always such a strong woman. When she became ill in December 2020, she faced her illness head-on and never complained. She was such a caring woman and was always more concerned about her family and friends than herself. Cookie had an open heart and was never judgmental. She accepted everyone just as they were and loved them unconditionally. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Cookie is survived by her loving children, Julie Wilking, Jason (Jami) Wilking, Jodi Wilking & Jaime (Jim) Clark; grandkids, Clay, Reese, Wyatt, Paige, Jorian, Cullen & Hadley; siblings, Sondra (Ronnie) Von Arb, Tom (Nan) Miller, Joan (Jerry) Stalberger, John Miller, Doug Miller & Dan (Val) Miller; sister-in-law, Sharon Miller; other loving relatives and friends. Cookie was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Jerald “Jerry” Lee Wilking; parents, George & Corrine Miller; brother, Bruce Miller.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Wilking family. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
