She married Harry J Wilkens on October 23, 1951 in Cresco Iowa, they spent 69 years together until Harry's passing. Regina and Harry were devout Catholics and attended St. Matthews Catholic Church in Farmington, as well as being lifetime members of the Farmington Moose.
Surviving are five 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 thirteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Regina was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four younger siblings, one daughter, Susan Ann (Wilkens) McAdams, one grandchild, Jill Wilkens, and three great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Warren Daugherty and Jacob Henderson.
Regina graduated from Cresco High School in Cresco, Iowa before going on to Mercedian School of Nursing in Marshalltown, Iowa, where she earned her LPN. Shortly after marrying Harry, the newlyweds relocated to Farmington, Illinois for what they thought would be a year or two, but Farmington became the place where they put down roots and raised their family. Regina kept her Iowa nursing license active for many years after moving to Illinois, just in case the opportunity arose for them to return to Iowa permanently.
In addition to being a loving mother and homemaker, she pursued a career as an LPN at Methodist Hospital in Peoria IL. Later working at the Canton JCPenney for approximately 15 years.
Throughout her life, Regina loved traveling. Some of her most memorable trips included Alaska, Ireland, Yellowstone National Park and at the age of 93, she went to Walt Disney World!! She spent many years enjoying a lady’s bowling league, and couple’s league, with her husband. The lady’s bowling tournaments brought more opportunities to travel out-of-town. She never knew what shenanigans she would be coming home to after these tournaments! Harry and the kids were always up to something, such as walls being torn down in their home, or finding a kayak under construction where her dining room table should have been! These would be memories that she would speak of often over the years.
Regina had an unyielding passion for genealogy. Tracing her family roots all the way back to County Cork Ireland.
After the passing of her beloved husband in May of 2020. She resided with her youngest daughter Joyce and son-in-law John (her buddy) in their home in Lewistown IL. Regina and John tormented each other every evening about who was the "PARTY POOPER" for going to bed first. She loved when people would visit her to play cards or dice, or simply to sit with her while she watched TV. But her love of ice cream was truly unmatched and always resulted in a nap 20 minutes later!
Regina was the matriarch of her large family and was deeply cherished by all who knew her. Her Sassy, Stubborn, Irish personality will never be forgotten!
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton, IL. A visitation will be held the same day at the church from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Monsignor Timothy Nolan will officiate. Burial will follow mass at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington, IL. Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen or Alzheimer’s Association. To view Regina’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
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