Henry 'John' Wilkens

Henry “John” Wilkens, age 69, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at Hospice House, Racine.  He was born in Chicago, IL, on February 2, 1944, son of Henry and Adele (Nee: Schlichting) Wilkens.

Henry received a degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University.  On November 18, 1972, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Judith A. Sheets who preceded him in death on June 15, 2010.  Throughout his career Henry was employed by Klug and Smith Company, Milwaukee, KBS Construction, Milwaukee, and lastly by Bane Nelson Inc., Kenosha.    He was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church, belonged to the church choir, and  also enjoyed singing with the Church Singers and Dairy Statesman. An avid golfer, Henry also loved tending to his flower garden.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his children, Jeffrey (Colleen) Wilkens and their children, Sydney, Wesley and Delaney of Wauwatosa, Elizabeth Wilkens (fiancé, Martin Squier) and their daughter, Ruby, all of Trevor; sisters-in-law, Lynn Wilkens of Carpentersville, IL, Sally (David) Delp of Racine, Kathy (Michael) Maloney of Neptune Beach, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter and Ronald.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 7, 2014, at 6 p.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339  Douglas Ave., with Rev. Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating.  Private interment will be held.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 4 p.m. until time of Mass at 6 p.m.  Memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church or the  Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888