Robert J. "Bob" Wilkens

1939 - 2024

Robert "Bob" J. Wilkens
Born: February 19, 1939 in Fulton, IL
Died: September 17, 2024 in Oregon, IL
Robert "Bob" J. Wilkens, 85, of Dixon, IL, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL.
Bob was born to Cornelius and Inez (Houzenga) Wilkens on February 19, 1939 in Fulton, IL. He married Karen (Miller) Wilkens on Aug 6, 1960, at Spring Valley Reformed Church in Spring Valley. Bob attended Chadwick High School. His first jobs were farming at home and working at Standard Oil in Chadwick. He also worked at Firestone in Clinton IA, Polo Elevator, Rawleigh Eggs in Polo, and drove truck for Kness Trucking in Chadwick. Bob and Karen lived on the Ortgiesen Farms in Dixon from 1961 until 1968 where Bob was involved in raising a large number of hogs and cattle. In 1968, Bob went to work as a mechanic, working for Stewart Implement, Maumee Trucking, and Rock River Ready Mix where he retired in 1999.
Bob took all of his jobs very seriously and did everything to the best of his ability, giving 100%. It did not matter if he was driving truck, feeding hogs and cattle and farming, putting farm machinery together and repairing it, or working on trucks and driving and fixing cement mixers - he gave his all. After retirement he continued to give his all in taking care of his home and lawn.
He loved his family and loved spending time with grandkids and great-grandkids throughout the years. He and Karen taught a 4 and 5-year-old Sunday School Class at Bethel Church in Dixon and later at Harvest Time Bible Church in Rock Falls for a total of 40 plus years. He gave his all in loving his family and the many little ones that passed through the Sunday School classes. Bob gave his life to Jesus at a Bill Glass Crusade in 1976.
Bob and Karen loved traveling, planning special weekends and trips for their grandchildren, and later, special days for the great-grandchildren. They even enjoyed working in the yard together.
Bob leaves behind his wife, Karen, of 64 years; two children, Carrie (Dennis) Gaul of South Bend, Indiana, and Rob (Jen) Wilkens of Dixon, IL. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Katie (Ben) Wolf, Jeremy (Hannah) Gaul, Jessica (Gunnar) Ortgiesen, and Stephanie (Stephen Blackburn) Wilkens; 5 great-grandchildren, Jackson Wolf, Joshua Gaul, Hunter Ortgiesen, Easton Ortgiesen and Lakelyn Ortgiesen; two sisters, Marge Gorzny and Jan Harksen; two brothers, Gene (Elaine) Wilkens and Ken (Rosemary) Wilkens; and a brother-in-law, George Miller.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Norma Pape; and brother, James Wilkens.
A Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Bethel Evangelical Congregational Church in Dixon, with Pastor Ron West, officiating. Burial will be to follow at Grand Detour Cemetery in Grand Detour, IL.
Memorials may be directed to Rockford Rescue Mission 715 W. State St. Rockford, IL 61102.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.