Harry J. Wilkens

Harry J. Wilkens passed away in his home in Farmington IL. on May 7, 2020. The eldest of three children, Harry was born on March 8, 1929 in Carroll, Iowa to William and Olive (Piper) Wilkens. Harry married Regina Carolan on October 23, 1951 in Cresco Iowa; she survives.

Also surviving are 5 children, Laura (Thom) Ireland of Libertyville IL, Michael Wilkens of Peoria IL, Joseph (Gail) Wilkens of Sachse TX, Regina (John) Yuill of Hoffman Estates IL, Joyce (John)Phillips of Lewistown IL and son-in-law Craig McAdams of Lewistown IL, as well as 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, younger siblings, Robert WIlkens and Mary Lou Rubenbauer, one daughter, Susan Ann McAdams, one grandchild, Jill Wilkens and two
great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Warren Daugherty.

Harry graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Marshalltown IA before enlisting in the Navy as a Cook. He received a family hardship discharge in 1949. His time as a Naval Cook would prove invaluable to his children as they named him the better cook of their parents. Following his time in the Navy, Harry worked as a Telegraph operator and Clerk for the railroad, starting his career with the Minnesota & St. Louis (M & St. L) Railroad and retiring in 1989 from the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He was a member of Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church in Farmington IL.

A long-time crafter, Fulton County IL residents knew him for his woodcrafts on the Spoon River Drive and for his visits to play cribbage and other card games at the Farmington Moose Lodge #1571, where he was a lifetime member. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and trapping, and would spend all summer catching fish for the family fish dinner at Thanksgiving.  The dinner was prepared with “Grumpy’s Famous Fish” breading; the secret to getting even the pickiest eater to give it a try. In later years, he was happy to spend time visiting with his family and caring for his bride of 68 years. Some of his most spoken of memories included attending out-of-town bowling tournaments with his wife, Regina, as well as home remodeling projects, often done while his wife was out of town, leaving her surprised when she returned. Having done a lot of home improvements himself, Harry often consulted on home-improvement projects for his grandchildren as they learned to be homeowners themselves. Growing up seeing such a rapidly changing world, his steadfast ‘it can be fixed’ outlook and his quiet love will be greatly missed.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private services will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington IL. The Deacon Gary Schultz will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Farmington Rescue Squad 1100.

Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington IL is in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com