Wilkinson, Mildred 'Millie' I. Vanderlinden

Mildred “Millie” I. Vanderlinden Wilkinson, 91, of Marion, went to be with her Lord and Savior following a short illness at Linn Manor Care Center on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013. Services: 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at First Baptist Church, Marion, by Pastor Randy Bobzidn. Burial: Jordan's Grove Cemetery, rural Linn County, Iowa. Friends may visit the family from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. Per Millie's wishes, the casket shall remain closed.

Mildred “Millie” I. Vanderlinden Wilkinson was born June 6, 1922, to Ernest S. Vanderlinden and Anna M. Smith in Podunk Center, Iowa. She attended school in Osceola, Iowa, graduating in 1940. Shortly after her graduation, she moved to Marion, living with her brother and sister-in-law. It was then that she met the love of her life, Lewis “Bean's” M. Wilkinson. Following a short courtship that involved following Bean's (who was in the Army) to Washington, D.C., Millie and Bean's were married Dec. 7, 1942, at Francis Asbury Church in D.C. It was always a standing joke of Bean's that Roosevelt declared war Dec. 7, 1941, but the real war started Dec. 7, 1942! They flourished in their marriage for over 54 years until Bean's death.

Millie and Bean's had five boys, Bill (Judy Anderson), John (Kathie), Dick (Debbie), Glen (Jackie), all of Marion, and Jim (Diane) of Hampton, Iowa.

Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Bean's; her son, Jim; her parents; two brothers, Max and his wife, Wava, and Milo and his wife, Helen; her father- and mother-in-law; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Margaret Slife, Wayne Wilkinson, Dave and Peg Wilkinson and Roger and Pat Hoff.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Evelyn Wilkinson; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren (with two more due soon); two great-great-grandchildren; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Millie worked for the government in Washington, D.C., Edison Pharmacy and the K.V. Restaurant in Marion in her early years until her children were born. She also sewed and sold aprons in Marion to help support the growing family.

Millie was a self-taught artist and was very proud of her paintings and was excellent at decoupage, and many other crafts. Millie was a member of First Baptist Church of Marion, Mother's Evening Out (MEO), Mother's Circle and Eastern Star. In addition, Millie had two individual ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War, making her a D.A.R.

Millie and Bean's were the proud owners of a cabin located on the Wapsipinicon River, south of Waubeek. It was here that many memories were made; they always had a huge garden, and when not flooded, was one of the finest in the area. The cabin is where the world famous “Wilkinson Bonfires” originated, and are still practiced Saturdayby most of the descendants. Following Bean's retirement, he and Millie made their home at the cabin in the summer and wintered in Weslaco, Texas for over 17 years.

The family wishes to express their extreme gratitude to: Dr. Marc Wilkinson; Pastor Randy Bobzidn; First Baptist Church; and the staffs at St. Luke's 4 Center, Linn Manor Care Center and Hospice of Mercy for their wonderful love and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 1260 29th St., Marion, IA 52302, in her name.

Please sign the online guest book for Millie at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Sept. 21, 2013 in The Gazette