Larry Wilkens

Larry Wilkens, age 72, of Cantrall, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at his residence.

He was born on March 19, 1950 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Cornelius and Dena (Klooster) Wilkens.

Larry married Mary Bell on January 12, 1991 in Weldon, California.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Lisa (Dennis) Long; granddaughter, Dustana Long; siblings, Darlene Hill of California, Beverly (Paul) Cascio of Washington, and Roger (Carol) Wilkens of Illinois; brother-in-laws, Fred (Marilyn) Bell and Jerry (Cathy) Bell; and many nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by a grandson, Brendan Long; sister, Evelyn Whitwell; brother, Arnold Wilkens, and his parents.

He graduated from Erie High School in Illinois, and also attended Clinton Community College in Iowa.

Larry worked for the Quad Cities Nuclear Station in Cordova, Illinois for ten years, Southern California Edison in Kernville, CA for twelve years, and retired from the Athens School District after twelve years of service as the Transportation Director.

He rode in the RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) for several years.  Larry loved wood-working and was very mechanically inclined.  Larry loved to be outdoors, enjoyed yardwork, and had a strong passion for farming.  He camped all across the country from Illinois to California.

Larry is a member of the Cantrall United Methodist Church, and held the secretary/treasurer position for the United Methodist Men for several years.

Visitation for Larry will be held from 10:00 AM until time of funeral service at 12:00 Noon on Saturday April 9, 2022 at the Cantrall United Methodist Church; 9406 North State Route 29; Cantrall, Illinois.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cantrall United Methodist Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family.