Margaret Jeanne Wilkens

Margaret “Jeanne” Wilkens She was born in Washington County, Iowa on March 23rd, 1925. Daughter of Alvin Evan and Hazel Alma (Engle) Strum. died peacefully at home surrounded by family and pets in Flagstaff, Arizona on March 25, 2017 at the age of 92.

She was educated at New Haven Country School and graduated from West Chester High School in 1943. She was never absent nor tardy while attending the schools, quite often walking three miles in all kinds of weather, and accompanied by her dad if it was really, really bad weather. She later attended and graduated from AIC Business School, Davenport, Iowa.

Jeanne was married to Henry “Hank” Wilkens on October 8th, 1955 at the Little Brown Church, in Nashua, Iowa.

She was employed by the City of Davenport for eighteen years, and retired from the Rock Island Arsenal in March 1993.

She enjoyed virtually all sports, and participated in many. She enjoyed attending the sporting events of her son, then her grandchildren in later years.

Jeanne is a member of the Davenport-Bettendorf Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame and she served as a delegate to many State and National meetings. In 2009, she participated in her 50th WIBC/USBC National Bowling Tournament.

She was a former member of the Alpha Iota sorority, and the 600 Bowling Club. Most recently she was a member of the Ladies of the Moose, NARFE, AARP, National Auxiliary of Rainbow Division Veterans, CASI, Scott County Farm Bureau, Golden Tones Chorus, Plus 60’s Club, and the Die-Hard Cubs Fan Club (since 1940). GO CUBS! She also served as a volunteer for Quad Cities Meals on Wheels in several capacities.

Jeanne enjoyed traveling and visiting many cities during her bowling tournament travels. She did embroidery and counted cross stitch projects (many of which are unfinished). She loved to bowl, play bingo, work cross-words, and Sudoku puzzles; and play dominos with her club friends and grandchildren.

She loved animals, owning many throughout her lifetime, including her many farm pets. Her late husband, Hank, once said if a stray elephant came around, she’d have it for a pet. She will join in death her beloved kitty, “Sweetie” who will be waiting for her next to her beloved dog, “Luka Marie” next to her trusty pony, “Toby”.

She is survived by her son Brian (Katy) Wilkens of Flagstaff, AZ; step-son Hal Wayne (Sally), Arizona City, AZ; grandchildren Joshua (Kristie)Francis, Davenport, IA, Ashley (Justin) Newkirk, Gilbert, AZ, Elizabeth Wilkens, Shawnee, KS, and Taylor Wilkens, Wayne, MI; Step-grandchildren Sandra (Joy) Lynch, Davenport, IA, Dale Wilkens, Davenport, IA, and Vickie Wilkens. She has four great-grandchildren: Emmalee Winetraut, Kylah Francis, Benjamin Newkirk, and Lilah Sue Briscoe. She is survived by her best friend and sister, Colleen Young, Washington, IA; nieces Wendy (Paul) McCracken and Lori (Dale, fellow CUB Fan!) Sayer. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Hank, and many others too numerous to mention. May they all rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Scott County Human Society, Davenport, IA; Second Chance Animal Shelter, Flagstaff, AZ; or Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation (Flagstaff Medical Center Nursing Scholarship Fund). The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the staff of Flagstaff Medical Center who have each taken such great care of her during her time in Flagstaff. She really appreciated your thoughtfulness and your kindness more than you will ever know.

You always knew there would be a game on the TV when you visited her. So, in honor of Jeanne’s love for sports, the family requests that you wear a jersey of your favorite team to the visitation (baseball, football, or basketball). You always knew ESPN would be on the TV when you visited her.

Visitation will be at Runge Mortuary in Davenport on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 4 – 7 PM, and funeral services will also be at Runge Mortuary on 10 AM Friday, April 1, 2017, with burial service to follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.