Milton H. Wilkens, age 84, of the Village of Newburg, passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at the Samaritan Health Care Center in West Bend.
He was born on April 11, 1922 in the town of Farmington to the late Frank and Mary (nee Moss) Wilkens. He was united in marriage to Bernice Gerner on July 2, 1949 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newburg where they are currently members.
Milton was employed by the GTE telephone company as an electronic technician for over 30 years. After his retirement he became a partner in the NP Company Inc. in Newburg with his son, Mike.
Milton dedicated his life to serving his community. He was instrumental in incorporating the Village of Newburg and was on the village board since it was incorporated. He served as the village board president from April 1981 until April 1995. He was also very active in the Newburg Fire Department and served as chief from 1959 until 1973. He was vice-president and president of the Badger State Firemen's Association from 1965 until 1968. He started the first rescue squad for Newburg, and for many years he was an instructor of first aid for the American Red Cross. He loved hunting and fishing and was a lifetime member of the Newburg Sportsman's Club, where he shot trap.
Milton is survived by his loving wife, Bernice of the Village of Newburg; his son, Mike (Lynette) Wilkens of Fredonia; his two grandsons, Michael Wilkens II of Oostburg, and Thomas Wilkens of Fredonia; three step-grandchildren, Carisa (Wade) Deheck of Lena, Carrie Miller of Berlin, and Larry Miller of Fredonia. He is further survived by a brother, Merlin (Myrtle) Wilkens of the town of Farmington; a sister, Lucile Kremsreiter of Random Lake; two sisters-in-law, Esther Gerner of West Bend, and June (William) Kirby of Three Lakes; a brother-in-law Warren (Lucile) Gerner of Fillmore; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Raymond Kremsreiter, and Howard Gerner.
A funeral service in honor of Milton will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 7:00 pm at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newburg. Rev. Jon Baumann will officiate and burial will take place in St. John's Church Cemetery on Wednesday, June 28, at 9:30 am. Visitation will be at the church only on Tuesday, from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm.
Memorials to the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church building fund would be appreciated by the family.