Henry "John" Wilkens

Henry “John” Wilkens, age 69, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2014, at Hospice House, Racine. He was born in Chicago, IL, 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, 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 Friday, February 7, 2014, 6:00 P.M. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, 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 4:00 P.M. until time of Mass at 6:00 P.M. Memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have been suggested.