Erich M. Wilkens Jr.

1968 - 2017

Erich M. Wilkens, Jr. ARKVILLE- Erich M. Wilkens, Jr., 48 of Pavillion Road, died Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at his residence. He was born Sept. 28, 1968 in Oneonta; son of Erich and Millie Merwin Wilkens Sr. A native and life long Catskill Mountain’s resident, he was a chef at Delaware County locations such as: the Bin ‘n Cone, T-bar Saloon, and Summerfields. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served on the USS Nitro in the late 1980’s. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a big fan of NASCAR, and could often be found landscaping and tending to his gardens. Erich was a strong-willed individual with a huge gentle heart, full of love for his family. He was affectionately called ‘Papa’ by his grandkids: Xavier, Luna Rae, Alex, Liliana, Chase, Jonathan, Joshua, and a much anticipated new arrival. Surviving in addition to his parents are his wife, Tina Ackhart Wilkens; a son, Duane of Pine Hill, daughters: Kim (Paul) Krum of Stamford, Lisa Skala of Roxbury, and Stephanie Skala of Arkville. Sister: Stacie (Daniel) Mark of Oneonta. Nephew: Keaton Mark. Several grandchildren, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins also survive. A Service to Celebrate the Life of Erich will be held on Monday at 10am at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia with the Rev. Ralph Darmstadt as celebrant. Burial in the Shandaken Rural Cemetery. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home. The family suggest memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 80 - Erich Wilkens Memorial c/o POB 845, Fleischmanns, N.Y., 12430. You may share a memory on Erich’s Commemorative Page at www.gorm leyfuneralhome.com