Julia Wilhelmi (nee Buldak), 91, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 29, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born July 4, 1926 to Lawrence and Lottie Buldak (Wesolowski). She was a 82 year resident of Joliet and lived the past 8 years in Manhattan. She attended St. Thadeus Grade School and Joliet Township High School. On September 2, 1950, she married the love of her life, John Wilhelmi, and they enjoyed 55 years together on the family farm. Although being born and raised a city girl, Julia took to the life of farming with great passion. From planting to harvest, she was always there beside her husband and took great pride in the family business. If anyone were to ask Julia what her greatest joy in life was, she would reply her family. She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Julia was a devoted Catholic and lived life through her faith. As a past member of Scared Heart Church in Joliet, she as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Council of Catholic Women and a past Parish Woman of the Year. After moving to Manhattan, she became a member of St. Joseph Church. She was a previous member of Knights of Columbus Columbiettes, Jackson Township Homemakers and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Julia is survived by her children, Dennis (Loralyn) Wilhelmi of Buckingham, IL, Gary (Jean) Wilhelmi of Saybrook, IL, Jayne (David) Vanderhyden of Dwight, IL, Patricia (Timothy) Briscoe of Roselle, IL; grandchildren, Melissa (Craig) Ball, Matthew (Fiance' Michelle Paluch), Christopher (Fiance' Lanae Ringler) Wilhelmi, Adam Wilhelmi, Justin (Jonnie) Vanderhyden, Ashley (Travis) Lonas, Emilie and Jack Briscoe; great grandchildren, Connor and Owen Ball and Avery Vanderhyden; brother and sister in laws, Ann Buldak, Carol Holsinger and John and Norma Rourke as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Ronald; father and mother, Lawrence and Lottie Buldak; father in law and mother in law, Frederick and Celia Wilhelmi; brothers and sisters, Andrew (Dorothy) Buldak, Anthony Buldak, Casmer (Sue) Buldak, Charles (Tillie) Buldak, Dominic Buldak, Edward Buldak, Frances (George) Grencik, Frank (Theresa) Buldak, Henry Buldak, Jospeh Buldak, Louis Buldak, Mary Ann Buldak and Stanley Buldak; brothers and sisters in law, Rita (Dallas) Gould, Fred (Naoma) Wilhelmi, Donald Wilhelmi, William Holsinger and Annette Wilhelmi. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her exceptional caregivers, Anna Gruszka and Zofia Groms. Visitation for Julia will be Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 2-6:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin with prayers at 9:30 A.M., Monday, May 7, 2018 at the funeral home then traveling in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 West North Street, Manhattan, for 10:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, IL. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Church, Catholic Charities and the Epilepsy Foundation. Forsythe Gould Funeral Home 507 South State St. (Rt 52) Manhattan, IL 60442 815-478-3321