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Lorna Wilkens Obituary – 12/4/2014


Lorna Mathilda Maria (Kruschke) Wilkens, age 103, of Waconia, and formerly of Plato, passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at Good Samaritan Society in Waconia.

Lorna was born July 11, 1911, in Bergen Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Heinrich and Augusta (Machemehl) Kruschke.

She was baptized as an infant July 30, 1911, by Rev. G.H. Buescher, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth April 5, 1925, by Rev. J.A. Schert, both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Bergen Township, rural Lester Prairie.

Lorna was united in marriage Nov. 11, 1935, to Henry Wilkens by Rev. J.A. Schert at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Bergen Township, rural Lester Prairie.

Lorna and Henry made their home on a farm in rural Plato until 1981, when they moved to Plato.

In February 2007, Lorna made her home at Peace Villa in Norwood Young America, and then in December 2008, moved to Good Samaritan Society in Waconia.

Lorna and Henry were blessed with seven children, Myra, Lois, Orville, Vernon, Raymond, Doris, and Charles. They shared more than 56 years of marriage, until Henry passed away June 13, 1992.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker, Lorna helped Henry on the farm.

Lorna was a faithful and active member of Friedens County Line United Church of Christ in rural Norwood Young America, where she served on the Ladies Aid.

Lorna enjoyed crocheting, sewing, quilting, and gardening. She treasured the time spent with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

Lorna is survived by her children, Myra Franke and her husband, Ken, of Plato; Orville Wilkens and his wife, Betty, of Plato; Vernon Wilkens and his wife, Colleen, of Plato, MN,; Doris Schwirtz of Plato, MN; Charles Wilkens and his wife, Peggy, of Plato, MN; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Wilkens of Plato; grandchildren, Michael (Bev) Franke, Bruce Franke, Amy Thomas, David (Danaya) Franke, Nichole Pinske, Brett Pinske, Tracy (Craig) Jackson, Jody (Michelle) Wilkens, Susan Larson, Robert Wilkens, Chad (Natalie) Wilkens, Jennifer (Paul) Heuer, Bryan (Janelle) Wilkens, Dean (Murf) Schwirtz, Terry Schwirtz, Nathan (Stephanie) Wilkens, Amber Wilkens; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Luella Prehn of Lester Prairie; Eldora Miller of Plato; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Lorna was preceded in death by her parents, Heinrich and Augusta Kruschke; husband, Henry Wilkens, daughter, Lois Pinske and her husband, Charles; son, Raymond Wilkens; son-in-law, Richard Schwirtz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Pauline Wilkens; siblings, Leona Wroge and her husband, Art, Harold Kruschke and his wife, Laura, Marilyn Mazer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Harold Prehn, Willmar Miller, Margaret Kroppen and her husband, Herman, and Lydia Dammann and her husband, Theodore.

Funeral services took place Sunday, Dec.7, 2014 at 2 p.m., at Friedens County Line United Church of Christ in rural Norwood Young America, interment followed at the Ferguson Cemetery in rural Norwood Young America.

Clergy officiating was Pastor Joe Clay, and organist was Sandy Kroells.

Congregational hymns included “How Great Thou Art,” “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” and “Amazing Grace.”

Honorary casket bearers were Lorna’s granddaughters.

Casket bearers were Lorna’s grandsons, Michael Franke, Bruce Franke, David Franke, Brett Pinske, Robert Wilkens, Chad Wilkens, Bryan Wilkens, Dean Schwirtz, Terry Schwirtz, and Nathan Wilkens.

Arrangements were with Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel of Glencoe.

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