Michael H. Wilkins

Michael H. Wilkins obituary

Michael H. Wilkins

Michael Wilkins Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sutherland - Rankin Funeral Home on Aug. 2, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Michael H. "Mike" Wilkins, age 71, of Salem, passed away at his home on August 1, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on November 7, 1953, in Salem, Illinois to Richard and Betty (Jones) Wilkins. He married Sandra Sweet on August 29, 1975, and they were blessed with just short of 50 wonderful years together. Mike was a member of the Marion County Fair board, and a past Salem Township trustee. In his younger days, he worked in the local oilfields, and for John Jett on his farm. He then spent many years as a custodian / maintenance man at Salem Grade School. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and farming. He truly had a love of the outdoors. He always went out of his way to help people when he could. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Sandy Wilkins; son Rick and wife Toni Wilkins; grandsons Jonathon Wilkins, A.J. Wilkins, Mason Wilkins, and Anthony Wilkins; siblings Barbara Lorenzini, Jackie Schuler, Ricky Kay Dunaway, Richard "Keebler" and wife Marcia Wilkins, Danny "Mt. Dew" Wilkins, Marsha and husband Jim Pritchard of Altamont, Mary "Tina" Wilkins, Kevin Wilkins, Jay Dee and wife Linda Wilkins, Debbie Torbeck, Jeanette and husband Kerry Hodge; mother-in-law Shirley Sweet; and brother-in-law Tom Sweet; many nieces, nephews, and cousins He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Wilkins; son Ben Wilkins; brothers: Ronnie "Rev" Wilkins and Roger "Welcho" Wilkins; brothers-in-law Lew Lorenzini, George Schuler, Doug Dunaway, Marvin Torbeck; father-in-law John Sweet; sister-in-law Nancy Heflin and husband Dennis Heflin. The Family would also like to express heartfelt thanks to his Hospice team for such loving care. Funeral services for Mike Wilkins will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 am at Salem Grace Church of the Nazarene with Scott Dunaway officiating. A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and again on Wednesday August 6, 2025, from 9:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow at Summit Prairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace or Mission Salem and will be accepted at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, PO Box 97 / 310 N Broadway, Salem, Illinois 62881, 618-548-1234, who is honored to be of service to the family through difficult time. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or by visiting Sutherland-Rankin's Facebook page.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

People and places connected with Michael
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Wilkins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Michael Wilkins's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?