John Kenneth Wilkinson

John Kenneth Wilkinson, age 83, of DeKalb formerly of Elburn, passed away quietly in the evening hours of July 9, 2001 at Bethany Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in DeKalb, IL.

He was born September 27, 1917, the son of John F. and Daisy M. (Ing) Wilkinson in Pulaski, IL.

John Kenneth grew up in Pulaski and attended local schools in Pulaski and Villa Ridge.

He was a farmer's son and he spent many of his younger years working on his family farm.

John Kenneth Wilkinson and Virginia L. Cooper were united in marriage May 29, 1943, in Charleston, MO. They began their life together back on the family farm and John Kenneth continued to farm until 1963 when the family moved to Elburn, IL. They settled on Main St. while John Kenneth worked at the local packing plant for a time before working for Alumax, an aluminum manufacturer in St. Charles.

He retired in 1982, but he never stopped moving.

John Kenneth spent most of his time traveling between Tennessee and Illinois visiting their grandchildren.

John Kenneth had a spirit that never stopped.

It was always working, loving and giving.

Even as a younger man working on the farm, all his cows and horses had names.

He loved animals and the outdoors, but the sight of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren made the world stand still.

He kept in contact with all of his family, no matter where they roamed and he was a favorite at all of the family reunions and picnics.

John Kenneth was a friend to all men, women and children, no matter their creed.

He would smile, wave and speak, sometimes at great length, with anyone he met.

In his eyes everyone was equal and close to his heart.

He leaves his loving children: Faye (Dennis) Smith of Batavia, IL, Kenneth "Kenny" (Lyn) Wilkinson of Midway, TN, and John (Karen) Wilkinson of Maple Park, IL; four grandchildren: Laurie (Duane) Gray of Greeneville, TN, Michael Wilkinson of TN, Linda Wilkinson of Sycamore, IL, and Amy (Eric) Bloom of Bella Vista, AR; four great-grandchildren: Angel and Amber Wilkinson, Brandon Gray and Betsy Bloom; several nieces, nephews and a family of friends.

He joins now his loving wife, his parents, one brother, Howard Wilkinson, two sisters, Geraldine Ledeigh and Charlotte Ebbert.

Friends may call from 9-11 am, Thursday, July 12, 2001 with a service to celebrate his life at 11 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Interment will follow the service at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn.

Memorials may be made in his name and mailed to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.