Edgar E. Wilkinson

Edgar E. Wilkinson, 82, peacefully passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at his home in Ankeny, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny, with a rosary being said at 5:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 11 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church. Burial with military honors will be at Oralabor Cemetery.

Ed was born October 25, 1929 in Des Moines to Glenn and Edna (Ackelson) Wilkinson, attending East High School. Often dancing at the Tromar Ballroom in downtown Des Moines, he met a farm girl from Kossuth County. He and Joan Kennedy were married May 19, 1951 at All Saints Catholic Church. Within a couple months, he left to serve in the Army’s 15th Infantry Division in the Korean Conflict. On his return, he worked for Super Valu Stores for 38 years in Des Moines and Urbandale, as a truck driver, dispatcher and transportation supervisor—including three years in Xenia, Ohio before returning. He retired in February 1991 as backhaul coordinator.

There wasn’t much time for outside activities, but he made the most of it by combining his passions; family, driving and his country. Weekends were spent camping at the lake—usually with a couple driver friends and their families…under the warm glow of his favorite Coleman lantern or whipping around the lake, teaching one child after another how to waterski. It might have been a weekend run to the Brekkes or Waldschmidts. Where else can you go on vacation with seven kids? When not camping, it was—again—time spent with the Super Valu crowd; parents playing pinochle while the kids played in the yard.

His faith in his country was underscored through his activity in the VFW; serving as post commander. He spent countless days helping say goodbye to veterans, through military salutes at funerals. Today, veterans return the favor.

The years led to weddings, grandchildren and keeping up with them all….from the kids next door to Germany and back. That sparked another passion; making those children smile. We learned that a kiss from a grandchild is to be followed with a wink, a snap of his fingers, and ‘Hot Dog!’ Even in his final hours, grandkids of all ages crawled in to snuggle him and say ‘Hi Grandpa!’ And then goodbye. The fatigue, the fog and the pain disappeared, though, for just a couple minutes Sunday, as he kissed the littlest ones goodbye.

Ed is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Joan, as well as seven children; Joseph (Sue) of Solon, Jean McPherson (John) of Ankeny, Janet Willey (Greg) of Ankeny, Jerri Shipp of Des Moines, John (Stephanie) of Iowa City, Joan Ammons (Henry) of Altoona and Judy Norris (John) of Ankeny. He enjoyed his 19 grandchildren, four step grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and eight step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cora Waldschmidt. Besides his lifelong commitment to his family, Ed was proud of his service to his country and his commitment to God.

Memorials may be made to Iowa Health Hospice, Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.