Denny Wilkens

Denny Wilkens, age 86 of Keyesport, died at his home on Saturday, December 26, 2020. 

Mr. Wilkens was born on June 15, 1934, in Leaf Valley Township, Minnesota, a son of Dorthea Clara Ida Fuhrmann.  He married Patty (Gillett) on June 18, 1955, in Sandoval, Illinois, and she survives in Keyesport.    

Mr. Wilkens is also survived by a daughter – Michele Ann Wagner and husband Todd of Vandalia; a son – Keith Edward Wilkens and wife Sandi of Mount Gambier, South Australia; 5 grandchildren – Michael and Matthew Burdick, Logan (Georgia), Tristan and Cameron Wilkens; great granddaughter – Ayla Wilkens; nieces – Sandra (Jason)Heffler and Marilynn (Greg) Farrington; and nephews – Scott (Jamie) Smith and Colin (Leslie) Carver.

In addition to his mother, Denny was preceded in death by a son – Michael Henry Wilkens; a sister – Cindy Smith; uncles – Eric Foreman, Charlie Wilkens, and Albert Wilkens; and an aunt – Alma Wilkens.

Mr. Wilkens served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1958 in Japan.  He worked as an electrician for many years and just received his 50-year pin from IBEW.  He last worked at GNC Electric in Centralia.  Mr. Wilkens was a member of the Keyesport Methodist Church and a member of the local 702 IBEW.  Denny and his wife, Patty, owned and operated Hanks Drive-In restaurant in Keyesport for 30 years.  Denny and Patty also loved traveling, going square dancing, and being outdoors.   

Funeral services will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keyesport Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be received at Zieren Funeral Home, PO Box 276, Carlyle, IL 62231.

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