Theresa Wilczek

Theresa Mary Berntsen Wilczek passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 2, 2026, at the age of 96.

She was born on Jan. 15, 1930, to Henry and Monica Berntsen on the family farm southeast of Loyal, where she lived most of her life.

She was a 1948 graduate of Loyal High School where she enjoyed playing basketball and being the pitcher of her softball team. She had a true love for sports.

Theresa married Louis Wilczek in Texas on Jan. 12, 1951. From this union 11 children were born.

After the death of her husband, Theresa coached Little League baseball for many years. She also had many hobbies, one of which was watching Lomega basketball.

She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren play. She traveled to the games with family and friends in the “granny” van.

She was an accomplished seamstress, known to alter prom dresses, patch many pairs of jeans and overalls and made many items of clothing.

She also made 64 quillows for her family, which we all cherish.

Theresa enjoyed playing some serious games of pitch with her sisters-in-law and had a love for dominoes as well.

Over the years, Theresa worked hard supporting her family at various jobs including the laundry mat, the Elks Lodge and the Exhibit Building. She also provided senior care services.

Theresa is survived by her children: James (Janet) Wilczek, Stephen (Sharon) Wilczek, Stanley (Cindy) Wilczek, Edward (Carol) Wilczek, David (Rose) Wil-czek, Ronald (Kim) Wilczek, Cheryl Wilczek, Rodger Wilczek, Denise Reilly and Mark (Elaine) Wilczek.

She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren with number 40 due in June.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Louis; siblings Joe and George Berntsen, Rita Rund, Bernardine Dill; son John Henry Wilczek; grandchildren Baby Girl Wilczek, Lori Wilczek Underwood, Karina Wilczek, Victor Oropeza; great-grandchildren Taylor and Mikaela Wilczek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 401 S. Main St., Kingfisher, OK 73750; St. Rose of Lima Parish, 900 N. Clarence Nash Blvd., Watonga, OK 73772; or St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery of Loyal, 21077 N 2740 Road, Kingfisher, OK 73750.

Wake service is 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with internment following at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.