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Brian Wilken Obituary
Brian R. Wilken age 67 of Griffith, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday March 5, 2016 during a short battle with Lewy Body Dimentia with Parkinsonism. Brian was born at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond to his loving mother and father Dorothy and Arnold Wilken on February 17, 1949. Brian is survived by his loving wife Janet (nee Price) Wilken; children Steve (Kelly) Wilken, David (Wendy) Wilken, Wendy "Wee" Wilken, and by his grandchild Elliot Wilken. Brian was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Edna Wilken in October 1995 and his father Arnold Maurice Wilken in 1957. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 9, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Kleinschmidt officiating. Burial will take place Directly at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. on Thursday March 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday March 9, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. 45th Ave., Griffith, IN. Brian served as Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country proudly and received a Purple Heart for his bravery when his rifle was shot out his hands and had to fight off an enemy with his bare hands. He was M.I.A. for about three weeks until another platoon found him and got him a medic for the wounds he suffered. Brian enjoyed fishing with his kids, working on and around the house. He loved planting flowers in the yard and organizing the garage and keeping it clean. Brian was retired from the Carpenters Union and Teamsters Local 142, Circle R Electric in Portage. The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hospice of the Calumet Area. For information, please call White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit us at: www.whitefuneralhome ofgriffith.com
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Wilken
Mike & Ann Farrenkopf
March 9, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rutledge
March 9, 2016
Janet & Family,
Very sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Know that we are thinking of all of you. Brian was a great man. Always loved running into you two. You'll be in our prayers.
Tim & Jean
Colton Family
March 9, 2016
Thank You for your courage & service to preserve our freedom.
Paul Alan
March 8, 2016
May God Bless this Veteran, Brian R. Wilken, and all of his Family. In the U.S. Marine Corps Hymn, the lyrics end with: "If the Army or the Navy ever look to heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines."
March 8, 2016
Brian was one of my best friends in high school.time to rest all my love.Brian Nagy
William Jukich
March 8, 2016
Semper Fi Marine. You are in God's hands now. Retired Marine Corps Harrier Pilot from Hammond,In
Mike Nelson
March 8, 2016
Sorry for your loss. I remember Brian as a great guy and good friend.
RoseMarie Karkheck.
March 8, 2016
The Peace that passes all understanding is now yours and may your family share in this peace. God be with your family and friends.
Maureen Murphy/Ghormley
March 8, 2016
Sorry to hear we have lost another classmate. Brian was such a sweet guy in High School. Thanks for your years of Service to our Country. Rest in Peace.
March 8, 2016
Sorry to see we have lost another classmate. Brian was such a sweet guy in High School. Thank you also for your Service to Our Country. May you rest in Peace Maureen Murphy Ghormley
March 8, 2016
We are so sorry for your family's loss. Take comfort in the knowledge that Brian is walking tall in heaven. He was a good man. Anne and Gary
bernadette maglish
March 8, 2016
Janet, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Brian being so kind to us Maglish kids. We lived 2 houses down from you on Rensselaer st. I used to babysit for u. He was an american hero. God bless your family.
Marsha Anderson (Stulhmacher)
March 8, 2016
God be with your family. Brian you will be greatly missed.
Marsha Anderson (Stulhmacher)
March 8, 2016
God be with your family. Brian you will be greatly missed.
Mary Westerfield Weil
March 8, 2016
My deepest sympathy.
Guardian of the Free
Danny Vaughn
March 8, 2016
Morn his passing, but celebrate his life. We never forget the one's we love, but time does heal the wounds of the soul. The thought that Brian will always be a significant member to his family, loyal to his friends, and patriot to this country should provide a smile on the faces of everyone who knew him. Danny M. Vaughn, GHS class of 1966.
March 8, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda D. SHAPLEY
March 8, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Brian will always be remembered as long as family and friends think of him.
Richard Mckinney
March 8, 2016
My condolences to the family.
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White Funeral Home & Cremation Services921 W 45Th Ave, Griffith, IN 46319
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