Obituary of Robert Wilkens

Robert Wayne Wilkens, the son of Clarence and Alida (Vander Burgh) Wilkens, was born on his family’s farm near Archer, IA on March 6, 1932. He attended Country School at Carroll #6 through the sixth grade and went on to graduate from the Archer Consolidated School in 1950. Bob was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1953; he proudly served his country in the Korean War with the Searchlight Battalion and was honorably discharged in March of 1955. On June 22, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to Arlin Harms at the Methodist Church in Archer, IA. To this union three sons were born Kent Wayne, Leon Scott and Joel Dean. During their marriage the couple resided on three different farms in Carroll Township and eventually settled on the Wilkens Family Farm in 1963. Bob and Arlin retired from farming and moved to Sheldon in 2007. He entered the Prairie View Nursing Home on July 15, 2011 and passed away there on August 1, 2012 at the age of 80. Bob served on the Archer Coop Grain Board, O’Brien County Funeral Association Board, Primghar ASCS Board, Archer United Methodist Church Board; he was also a member of the Sheldon American Legion and Kiwanis. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arlin; three sons: Kent Wilkens of Archer, IA, Leon Wilkens of Des Moines, IA and Joel Wilkens and his wife Tracey of Boyden, IA; three grandchildren: Keith, Brandon and Caitlin Wilkens of Boyden, IA; brother: Stan Wilkens of Sheldon, IA; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in law Merrill and Dorothy McIntosh. Bob will be remembered as a well liked quiet spoken person, his dry sense of humor was enjoyed by everyone. He cherished time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed being at his grandchildren’s school programs and ball games. He was an avid reader and a small motor fanatic; he would spend hours taking them apart and putting them back together. In loving memory of Robert Wayne Wilkens Born ~ March 6, 1932 Died ~ August 1, 2012 Age ~ 80 years 4 months 25 days Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 4, 2012 United Methodist Church Archer, Iowa Clergy Cory Flanigan Organist Donna Struve Pianist ~ Soloist Jonathan Struve Special Music 23rd Psalm Trio Harriet Van Veldhuizen ~ Jeane Van Veldhuizen ~ Trudy Brouwer Special Music “One Day At A Time” “At The Corner Of Glory Avenue” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “Amazing Grace” #378 “In The Garden” #314 Recessional ~ “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” #672 Pallbearers Kent Wilkens Leon Wilkens Joel Wilkens Keith Wilkens Brandon Wilkens Randy Merley Ushers Dudley Mc Dowell ~ Leo Kuiper Burial East Lawn Cemetery ~ Sheldon, Iowa Military Graveside Rites by Sheldon American Legion ~ McGlothen Cowie Post #145