Please click on the video tribute below to view Willie's funeral and burial services.

William "Willie" Wilkens, Jr., 87, rural Ada, MN, died Monday, December 25, 2023, at his residence.

He was born in Ada, December 29, 1935, to William D. Sr. and Olga Wilkens, and grew up in Pleasant View Township, where he went to country school until sixth grade. He graduated from Ada High School in 1953.

He enlisted in the Army in October, 1955, and was discharged in October of 1957.  He married Betty Nepstad in 1955 and together they raised four children.

In 1957, he began working at the Land O' Lakes Creamery in Ada. He worked part-time for area farmers and did carpentry work. He then worked for Hanson Bros. for a number of years before taking up farming full-time himself. He enjoyed hunting in the fall and fishing year-round and loved the game of Pinochle. He always enjoyed spending time with his grand and great-grandkids.

Willie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty; children Deb (Glen) Alexander, Pam Twells, Wayne (Kathy) Wilkens, Wanda (John) Rosenberger; sisters and brother, Delores Knorr, Lois (Leslie) Gigler, Raymond Wilkens, Audrey (Roger) Larson, DiAnna (Joe) Kudelka; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Grover Knorr; his sister, Dorothy and brother-in-law, Fernald Holte; sisters-in-law, Diane and Marilyn Wilkens, and grandson, Jacob Alexander.

The family would like to thank the Essentia Ambulance crew, the Ada Fire Department crew and Deputy Brett Fetting, for their service upon William's death.

Funeral Service : 11 a.m., Friday, December 29, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation : One hour before service at the church.

I nterment : Following the church luncheon at Lockhart Pleasant View Cemetery.