Service Information
Colleen Mary Wilkens, age 77, of Plato, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, surrounded by family at her home.
Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at Frieden’s United Church of Christ (County Line) in rural Norwood Young America, Minnesota, with interment following in the Ferguson Cemetery in rural Norwood Young America.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M., at Frieden’s United Church of Christ (County Line) in rural Norwood Young America, and will continue 9:30-11:00 A.M., 1 ½ hours prior to the service at the church on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
Obituary
Colleen Mary Wilkens was born on January 3, 1947, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Robert and Esther (Ponsler) O’Connor. Colleen was baptized as an infant in Hawkins, Wisconsin, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Colleen received her education in Ladysmith and graduated with the Ladysmith High School class of 1965.
Colleen was united in marriage to Daniel Larson in 1966. This union was blessed with one child, Susan. They later divorced. Colleen was united in marriage to Vernon Wilkens on September 22, 1973, at the Frieden’s United Church of Christ (County Line) in rural Norwood Young America, Minnesota. This union was blessed with one son, Robert. The couple made their home in Plato, Minnesota. Colleen and Vernon shared over 50 years together.
Colleen was employed at Polyfoam in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, for 28 years, working as the Production Control Supervisor. She was a member of Frieden’s United Church of Christ (County Line).
Colleen enjoyed spending time reading. She enjoyed golfing and bowling and was a part of a Women’s Golf League and Bowling League. Colleen enjoyed 42 years of sobriety. She truly cherished time spent with family, especially her twin sister, Kathy, and with friends.
Colleen entered her eternal rest on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at her home surrounded by family at the age of 77 years, 4 months, and 6 days. Blessed be her memory.
Colleen is survived by her
Husband, Vernon Wilkens of Plato, Minnesota;
Children, Susan Larson of Glencoe, MN, Robert Wilkens of Plato, MN;
Grandchildren, Danielle Scott and her husband, John, of Glencoe, MN, Cole Schmidt of Glencoe, MN;
Great-Grandchildren, Josiah Worden, Prescott Wingate;
Sister, Karen Benson and her husband, Jim, of Glencoe, MN;
Twin-Sister, Kathy Anders and her husband, Bob, of Coon Rapids, MN;
Sister, Roberta “Bobbi” Reidner of Shakopee, MN;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Orville Wilkens and his wife, Betty of Plato, MN, Charles Wilkens and his wife, Peggy, of Plato, MN, Doris Schwirtz of Plato, MN, Bonnie Wilkens of Young America, MN, Kenneth Franke of Plato, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.
Colleen was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, Robert and Esther O’Connor; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Henry and Lorna Wilkens; Sister in infancy, Theresa O’Connor; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Tom Reidner, Myra Franke, Raymond Wilkens, Chuck and Lois Pinske, Richard Schwirtz; Ex-Husband and Father of Susan, Daniel Larson.
Carol (Trocke) Dammann says
So sorry to hear about Colleen’s passing. She was such a fun, friendly woman! She will be missed by many!
Sharon Risch says
I miss you so much! I know you are well, happy, and entertaining the angels in heaven. Love you my dear friend!
Brad & Bonnie Hahn says
Our sincere condolences to the Wilkens families; she was always laughing and smiling. God Bless
Shirley & Joel Herrmann says
We send our deepest sympathy to Vernon and the entire family. It was alway nice to see Colleen’s smiling face in church or around Plato when we happened to be traveling there. May you rest In piece. Love from the Herrmanns
Sharon (Wolter) Rusley says
So sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing, will miss seeing her at Sauters on Sundays. May the memories you made and shared help you through this difficult time.
Danielle Scott says
My grandmother was my favorite person. We will never be the same without her.
Frances Benson says
My sincere condolences to Vernon, Susan and Robert as well as her sisters, grandchildren and friends. Colleen was a sweet lady and always a pleasure to be with. I will miss her smiling face and sweet manner. Prayers of comfort and peace
Susan Larson says
My Mom was the strongest, most courageous woman I’ve ever known. She made me laugh, cry and push myself when I no longer thought I had the strength to go any further. I will miss her every minute of every day until we meet again
I only hope I can be half the woman she was. Blessed Be Mom. Love you to the moon and back.
Joyce Miller says
5/21/24 I just learned of this today. Colleen was always such a smiling, happy girl.
I know all of her friends, relatives, & especially Vernon will be missing her so much.
Focus on all of the happy memories. All of you will be waiting to see her again…in heaven.
Larry & Jeanette Hoof says
Our Deepest Sympathy is extended to Vern and Colleen’s family. Colleen was such a pleasant person always had a smile, joking and fun to be around. May your memories help you find comfort and peace.
Marla Perkins says
I am so sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. My memory immediately went back to our junior high days. Kathy, Colleen and I were best friends then and we did so many things together. For me, it was so wonderful to have “sisters” like you both. I think those years were some of the happiest times in my life.
Kathy, I can only imagine the loss you feel, and I pray the Lord will watch over you and your loved ones.