Harlan Herman Wilkens

Obituary

Harlan Herman Wilkens was born on July 19, 1937, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Herman and Cordelia (Wroge) Wilkens. Harlan was baptized as an infant on August 1, 1937, by Rev. R. L. Ehlen at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, Minnesota, and later was confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 25, 1951, by Rev. Schilt at Friedens Evangelical & Reformed Church in rural Norwood Young America, Minnesota. He received his education in Norwood Young America, graduating with the Central High School Class of 1955.

On July 20, 1957, Harlan was united in marriage to Beverly Mueller at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota. Harlan and Beverly made their home on the Wilkens family farm in rural Norwood Young America, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Gail and Mark. Harlan and Beverly shared over 59 years of marriage.

Harlan was a lifelong farmer on the Wilkens homesteaded farm. After retiring, he worked for Pinske Edge and Mueleners Farms. Harlan was a true community servant, leader and volunteer being active in many organizations, including the National Guard, Pork Producers Association, Eagle Lake Sportsman’s Club, a charter member of the Plato Lions and faithful member of Friedens County Line Church.

In Harlan’s younger years, he enjoyed water skiing, snowmobiling and building a scooter, boat and pontoon. He also engineered and designed farm equipment including a portable feedmill, folding harrow. Harlan built a hog roaster with Donny Werth, roasting hogs and grilling pork chops at many gatherings in the area. He built two man saws for the Plato Wood Choppers and other log sawing competitors. After retiring from milking cows, he turned the barn into a work shop and the hay barn into an amazing party barn that hosted gatherings of all kinds including an annual Halloween party. In his later years Harlan rose early to make breakfast at the Meuleners Farm each day, feeding "the boys" there and his own need to stay connected to farming. Always excited for a new project, Harlan, his son Mark and Roger Schmidt began building ice saws and spears. Harlan loved to work in his shop and his grandchildren always said “Grandpa can fix anything.”  Harlan greatest joy may have been his Great Grandchildren. He looked forward to nearly daily visits from Everett, Sissy and Georgie and photos and videos of Ava and Stella.

Harlan passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at his home in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, at the age of 79 years, 1 month and 11 days.

Blessed be his memory.

Harlan is survived by his:
Wife, Beverly Wilkens of Norwood Young America, MN;
Daughter, Gail Simmons and her husband, Jim, of Franklin, MN;
Son, Mark Wilkens and his wife, Lois, of Plato, MN;
Grandchildren, Erin Hagglund and her husband, Rick, of Norwood Young America, MN,
Amber Arwine and her husband, Bob, of Chicago, IL,
Brittany Wilkens and her fiancé, James Misuraca, of Plato, MN,
Bailey Wilkens of Plato, MN,
Jeanna Wacker and Ankan Patel of New York, NY;
Great Grandchildren, Everett, Elise, Georgia Hagglund, Ava, Arwine, Stella Patel;
Siblings, Karen Martin and her husband, Homer, of Plato, MN;
Sisters-In-Law & Brothers-In-Law, Myron Franke and his wife, Betty, of Norwood Young America, MN,
Pearl Schrupp of Norwood Young America, MN,
Loren Mueller and his wife, LaMane, of Glencoe, MN,
Donald Mueller and his wife, Mary, of Apple Valley, MN,
Glen Mueller and his wife, Liz, of Sacramento, CA,
Gary Mueller and his wife, LuAnn, of Buffalo, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends.

Harlan is preceded in death by his Parents, Herman and Cordelia Wilkens; Siblings, Wendell Wilkens, Evon Franke; Mother-In-Law & Father-In-Law, Arnold and Esther Mueller; Brothers-In-Law, Kenneth Mueller, Warren Schrupp.