Thomas Roy Wilkens, 76, of Waterloo, IL, formerly of Lenzburg, IL, born March 17, 1944 in E. St. Louis, IL, passed away on Sunday March 14, 2021 at home in Waterloo, IL surrounded by his family. Mr. Wilkens was a retired car man with Gateway Western Railroad, a member of the Pope and Young Club, an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to attend his grandchildren’s activities. He was also well known for his gardening and his BBQ with his own homemade sauce. Thomas was also a 40 year member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Wilkens was preceded in death by his parents; Henry and Norma (Boyer) Wilkens and by a brother who died in infancy.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife; Glenda Sue (Koenigstein) Wilkens of Waterloo, IL, who he married on February 12, 1965 in Pinckneyville, IL, two daughters; Theresa (Charles) Edwards of Waterloo, IL and Deborah (Bret) Strobo of Millstadt, IL, two sisters; Joyce Schaefer and Nancy (Dennis) Sutherland, three grandchildren; David (Jessica) Kernan, Alyssa Edwards and Katelyn Strobo, great grandson Barrett, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Memorials may be made to the family, Humane Society of Monroe County or to the donor’s choice.
Visitation: Friends may join the family from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday March 18, 2021 and again from 9 – 10:15 a.m. on Friday March 19, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL. A prayer service will be held Thursday evening at the funeral home. Per CDC guidelines, face masks must be worn at all times while in the building.
Funeral: A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday March 19, 2021 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL with Father Von Deeke officiating. Interment will follow at St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL. Face masks must be worn at all times in the church.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
My dearest thoughts to the Wilkins’ family. I’ll always remember Tom…his smile, his warmth and his wonderful sense of humor. He sure loved life and lived it to the fullest! God speed, my friend! Until we meet again!
ReplyI met Tom when I hired in at the Illinois Central Railroad in September of 1971. Tom and I became good friends through our work relationship at the railroad. My fondest memories of him was him showing me how to shoot a bow on a visit to his house and the next day I could not lift up my left arm from doing that. My arm was not in shape to shoot a bow. Thanks Tom! Only took 3 days to get use of my left arm again.
Also during NFL season we would have a standing soda bet on who the worst team games in the league were. It was something only him and I did between us each year. We had a lot of fun with it. My wife and I also shared a campground membership for a while in Cuba, Mo. where Tom and Glenda also camped. Many other fond memories of Tom while we worked together. The one he would never let me forget after it happened was a work related question on a box car which was
“Is there a door on your side?” (Private personal joke between us. ) We’ll miss you brother. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Bernie (Midget ICGRR) & Sherry Marti
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Wilkens family. I got to know Tom through my wife, Linda, and her relationship at work and as friends with Tom’s daughter, Theresa.
Spent much time with Tom, Glenda, Chuck, Theresa and Alyssa.
I was able to represent Tom and some of his ” car knockers” (railroad car mechanics). Tom was the Local Chairman of his union.
He was the most meticulous writer I ever worked with. No one could have represented their union members any better than Tom, nor did anyone have more zeal.
He and Glenda had the best and biggest backyard garden I ever saw and they took great pride in the monstrous vegetables they grew.
Family man to the core. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rest in peace Tom.
Mike/Linda
Tom & I were Co-workers on the railroad & were very good friends. He was loyal till the end. Glenda & Tom were very good friends & Tom will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Glenda & the family. Sam & Shirley
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Tom & I were Co-workers on the railroad & were very good friends. He was loyal till the end. Glenda & Tom were very good friends & Tom will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Glenda & the family. Sam & Shirley
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Wilkens family. I got to know Tom through my wife, Linda, and her relationship at work and as friends with Tom’s daughter, Theresa.
Spent much time with Tom, Glenda, Chuck, Theresa and Alyssa.
I was able to represent Tom and some of his ” car knockers” (railroad car mechanics). Tom was the Local Chairman of his union.
He was the most meticulous writer I ever worked with. No one could have represented their union members any better than Tom, nor did anyone have more zeal.
He and Glenda had the best and biggest backyard garden I ever saw and they took great pride in the monstrous vegetables they grew.
Family man to the core. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rest in peace Tom.
Mike/Linda
I met Tom when I hired in at the Illinois Central Railroad in September of 1971. Tom and I became good friends through our work relationship at the railroad. My fondest memories of him was him showing me how to shoot a bow on a visit to his house and the next day I could not lift up my left arm from doing that. My arm was not in shape to shoot a bow. Thanks Tom! Only took 3 days to get use of my left arm again.
Also during NFL season we would have a standing soda bet on who the worst team games in the league were. It was something only him and I did between us each year. We had a lot of fun with it. My wife and I also shared a campground membership for a while in Cuba, Mo. where Tom and Glenda also camped. Many other fond memories of Tom while we worked together. The one he would never let me forget after it happened was a work related question on a box car which was
“Is there a door on your side?” (Private personal joke between us. ) We’ll miss you brother. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Bernie (Midget ICGRR) & Sherry Marti
My dearest thoughts to the Wilkins’ family. I’ll always remember Tom…his smile, his warmth and his wonderful sense of humor. He sure loved life and lived it to the fullest! God speed, my friend! Until we meet again!