Wilkin, David Glenn

David Glenn Wilkin, 75, died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy after a short battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 21, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and grew up on a farm where his strong work ethics were formed. The ultimate handyman, he was hard working, tenacious and generous with a unique sense of humor. Family, friends, laughter and love were what filled his heart.

Dave graduated from Wilson High School in 1955. He attended the University of Iowa and Coe College. He married Judith Murray on Aug. 10, 1957. Together they raised four children. They enjoyed traveling, their lake house, bridge games and an occasional trip to Dairy Queen for a butter pecan sundae, always getting a “dog” cup for Annie. Dave owned three businesses, J & D Construction, Wilkin Implement and Wilkie Liquors. Throughout the years, he enjoyed various hobbies including golf, bowling, hunting, fishing, boating, bird watching and woodworking, creating many beautiful heirlooms for the family.

Dave is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy; children, Jeffrey (Deb) Wilkin, Cedar Rapids, Lisa (Bill) Poole, Burnsville, Minn., Sandra (Scott) Fergus, Naperville, Ill., and Tracy (Todd) Anderson, Lakeville, Minn.; grandchildren, Taylor (Katelyn) Wilkin, Jenna Wilkin, Danielle and Kaylin Poole, Liam Fergus, Gavin, Corbin, Samantha and Raena Anderson; great-grandchild, Eli Wilkin; brother, Truman (Romaine) Wilkin; nieces, Chris Heisterkamp and Kim Korte; nephews, Scott (Donna) Schneider and Shawn Wilkin; and last but not least, his four legged “sweetheart,” Annie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Dorothy Wilkin; and his brother, Jim.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at St. Pius Catholic Church, by the Rev. Joseph Schneider and the Rev. David Beckman followed by a private burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Teahen Funeral Home with a Vigil Service at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oldorf Hospice House or Helping Paws, P.O. Box 634, Hopkins, MN 55343; www.helpingpaws.org, an organization that trains service dogs.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

Goodbye, Sweet Man ...... You will be greatly missed.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 5, 2013.