Wilkinson, Donald D.

Donald D. Wilkinson of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. Arrangements with Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Evelyn; his children, Ron (Sheila) Wilkinson of Chesterfield, Mo., Sheryl Wilkinson of Knoxville, Tenn., and Donna (Jeff) Walters of Lisbon; five grandchildren, Stephanie (Matt) Petersen of Foristell, Mo., Adam (Gail) Tenney of Cedar Rapids, Kelly (Nathan) Hart of Lake St. Louis, Mo., Ashley Philgreen of Nashville, Tenn., and Hannah Philgreen of Lisbon; five great-grandchildren, Lydia, Sami, Abigail, Noel and Isabella Hart; and his four legged friend, Ruby Mae.

Don was born Jan. 30, 1928, the son of Samuel and Ressie (Wilkins) Wilkinson, in Yankee Point, Iowa. On Feb. 1, 1950, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Klein in Independence. For 30 years, Don worked at Link Belt FMC and later worked with Weland Lab.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters.

Don enjoyed car restoration, woodworking and yardwork. He was a member of the Corvair Club and longtime member of the Cedar Christian Church.

The family wants to thank St. Luke's Hospice, Dr. Hosne Begum, Tracy, Erin, Lorrie, Suzanne, Dani and Sally for the wonderful care given to Don and his family.

Private services will be held for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Don's name to St. Luke's Hospice.

Please sign the online guest book for Don at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 27, 2011.